thin-layer chromatography

noun

: chromatography in which a liquid sample migrates by capillarity through a solid adsorbent medium (such as alumina or silica gel) which is arranged as a thin layer on a rigid support (such as a glass plate)

Word History

First Known Use

1957, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

thin-layer chromatography

noun

ˈthin-ˌlā-ər- 

: chromatography in which the solution containing the substances to be separated migrates by capillarity through a thin layer of the adsorbent medium (as silica gel, alumina, or cellulose) arranged on a rigid support

—abbreviation TLC compare column chromatography, gas chromatography, paper chromatography

thin-layer chromatogram noun

thin-layer chromatographic adjective