svedberg

noun sved·berg \ ˈsved-ˌbərg , ˈsfed- , -ˌber-ē \

Definition of svedberg

: a unit of time amounting to 10⁻¹³ second that is used to measure the sedimentation velocity of a colloidal solution (as of a protein) in an ultracentrifuge and to determine molecular weight by substitution in an equation — called also svedberg unit

Origin and Etymology of svedberg

The Svedberg

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First Known Use: 1937

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

Svedberg

biographical name Sved·berg \ ˈsved-ˌbərg , Swedish -ˌber-ē \

Definition of Svedberg

The or Theodor 1884–1971 Swedish chemist

Medical Dictionary

svedberg

noun sved·berg \ ˈsfed-ˌbərg , -ˌber-ē \

medical Definition of svedberg

Biographical Note for svedberg

Svedberg \ˈsved-ˌber-ē\, Theodor (1884–1971), Swedish chemist. Svedberg was associated with the University of Uppsala for virtually all of his research career. In 1924 he developed the ultracentrifuge to facilitate the separation of colloids and large molecules. His ultracentrifuge helped determine the presence of substances contaminating protein molecules. In 1926 he was awarded the Nobel Prize for Chemistry for his development of the ultracentrifuge.