mass spectrum

noun

: the spectrum of a stream of gaseous ions separated according to their differing mass and charge

Examples of mass spectrum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Ions of interest reach a detector, which records their abundance in a mass spectrum. IEEE Spectrum, 25 July 2016 In this way the researchers could reliably determine an AI based on the complexity of the molecule’s mass spectrum. Philip Ball, Quanta Magazine, 4 May 2023 Over the past few decades, astronomers have compiled loads of evidence for the existence of black holes at both ends of the mass spectrum. Jake Parks, Discover Magazine, 12 July 2019 Show a mass spectrum of DNA sequences demonstrating that nucleotides contain arsenate instead of phosphate. Andrew Moseman, Discover Magazine, 7 Dec. 2010 The end readout is various peaks on a gas chromatogram, with each peak having a unique mass spectrum, allowing for the unambiguous identification of specific compounds. Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 15 Apr. 2022

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

Word History

First Known Use

1920, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mass spectrum was in 1920

Dictionary Entries Near mass spectrum

Cite this Entry

“Mass spectrum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mass%20spectrum. Accessed 7 Oct. 2024.

Medical Definition

mass spectrum

noun
: the spectrum of a stream of gaseous ions separated according to their mass and charge

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