gas chromatography

noun

: chromatography in which the sample mixture is vaporized and injected into a stream of carrier gas (such as nitrogen or helium) moving through a column containing a stationary phase composed of a liquid or particulate solid and is separated into its component compounds according to their affinity for the stationary phase
gas chromatographic adjective

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web The research team studied the molecular structure of the samples using a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry machine. Peter Weber, The Week, 2 Feb. 2023 Other studies using chemical staining and gas chromatography showed the presence of proteins—most notably animal glue (collagen) found in two early 18th century violoncellos, and casein found in a 1730 violin. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 3 Nov. 2022 This new work builds on a 2018 study in which University of Tübingen Egyptologist Stephen Buckley and his colleagues analyzed organic residues from the mummy’s wrappings with a technique called gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 1 Feb. 2023 The researchers used a dentist’s drill to remove coin-size fragments a few millimeters thick from the inside of the containers, then analyzed their chemical makeup using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Byandrew Curry, science.org, 1 Feb. 2023 The team then processed the samples using pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry which basically uses heat to break up complex chemical compounds into their most basic parts, which can then be identified and quantified. Gemma Tarlach, Discover Magazine, 17 Oct. 2017 Back in the lab, a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry machine separated all the compounds, which could then be recorded and named, resulting in an aromatic recipe of sorts. Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 25 Jan. 2022 Then instead of just relying on a regular old human nose (which is a pretty good instrument, no disrespect), gas chromatography is used to separate the mixture into components so each can be isolated. Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 29 Sep. 2022 The instrument inside the luggage is actually performing gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), which is a gold-standard analytical technique to finely separate out the components of a mixture. Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 15 Apr. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'gas chromatography.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

1952, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gas chromatography was in 1952

Dictionary Entries Near gas chromatography

Cite this Entry

“Gas chromatography.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gas%20chromatography. Accessed 29 Mar. 2023.

Medical Definition

gas chromatography

noun
: chromatography in which the sample mixture is vaporized and injected into a stream of carrier gas (as nitrogen or helium) moving through a column containing a stationary phase composed of a liquid or a particulate solid and is separated into its component compounds according to the affinity of the compounds for the stationary phase
abbreviation GC
compare column chromatography, gas-liquid chromatography, thin-layer chromatography
gas chromatographic adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on gas chromatography

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!


Challenging Standardized Test Words, Vol. 2

  • a pencil broken in half on top of a test answer sheet
  • The business’s new computer system proved not to be a panacea.
Name That Thing

You know what it looks like… but what is it called?

TAKE THE QUIZ
Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can with using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.

Can you make 12 words with 7 letters?

PLAY