chromatography

noun

chro·​ma·​tog·​ra·​phy ˌkrō-mə-ˈtä-grə-fē How to pronounce chromatography (audio)
: a process in which a chemical mixture carried by a liquid or gas is separated into components as a result of differential distribution of the solutes as they flow around or over a stationary liquid or solid phase
chromatographic adjective
chromatographically adverb

Examples of chromatography in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web In this case, the company used ultra-high pressure liquid chromatography–accurate mass-time of flight mass spectrometry analysis, and consulted with an ethnobotanist. Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 15 Sep. 2023 The extent of their cocaine contamination was quantitated via gas chromatography/mass spectrometry or liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. Seriously Science, Discover Magazine, 9 Feb. 2018 Today, chili pungency is measured using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), a method that measures the capsaicin concentration directly. Margaret Osborne, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Oct. 2023 Today, manufacturers can employ advanced processes like distillation and chromatography to extract higher quantities of pure delta 8 THC from hemp or cannabis plants. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 27 Aug. 2023 One commonly used technique for isolation is chromatography, specifically flash chromatography or liquid chromatography. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 16 Aug. 2023 Peptide Science provides detailed lab reports of high-performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) testing performed by an independent laboratory to demonstrate the 99%+ purity of their peptides. The Salt Lake Tribune, 16 Aug. 2023 Purification typically involves using techniques like short-path distillation or column chromatography to remove any remaining impurities or byproducts from the extract. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 1 Aug. 2023 By utilizing chromatography, chemists can effectively isolate pure delta 8 THC while eliminating any remaining impurities. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 9 July 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'chromatography.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from German Chromatographie, from chromato- chromato- + -graphie -graphy, after earlier chromatographisch "chromatographic" and Chromatogramm chromatogram

Note: Term introduced by the botanist Mikhail Semyonovich Tsvet in "Adsorptionsanalyse und chromatographische Methode. Anwendung auf die Chemie des Chlorophylls," Berichte der Deutschen Botanischen Gesellschaft, Band 24 (1906), p. 387. See note at chromatogram.

First Known Use

1936, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of chromatography was in 1936

Dictionary Entries Near chromatography

Cite this Entry

“Chromatography.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chromatography. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

chromatography

noun
chro·​ma·​tog·​ra·​phy ˌkrō-mə-ˈtäg-rə-fē How to pronounce chromatography (audio)
: separation and detection of chemical compounds as a result of their having traveled at different rates according to their different attractions to matter that carries them (as flowing liquid or gas) and matter that is not moving (as a liquid coating a solid)
chromatographic adjective

Medical Definition

chromatography

noun
chro·​ma·​tog·​ra·​phy ˌkrō-mə-ˈtäg-rə-fē How to pronounce chromatography (audio)
plural chromatographies
: a process in which a chemical mixture carried by a liquid or gas is separated into components as a result of differential distribution of the solutes as they flow around or over a stationary liquid or solid phase see affinity chromatography, cochromatography, column chromatography, electrochromatography, gas chromatography, gas-liquid chromatography, gel filtration, high-performance liquid chromatography, ion-exchange chromatography, liquid chromatography, paper chromatography, partition chromatography, radiochromatography, thin-layer chromatography
chromatographic adjective
chromatographically adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on chromatography

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