analytical balance: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical / Scientific
Quick answer
What does “analytical balance” mean?
A highly precise weighing instrument used in laboratories to measure mass to a very high degree of accuracy, typically to the sub-milligram level.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A highly precise weighing instrument used in laboratories to measure mass to a very high degree of accuracy, typically to the sub-milligram level.
Any system or metaphor emphasizing extreme precision and careful measurement in non-laboratory contexts, such as analysis or decision-making.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No lexical difference. British English may use 'balance' slightly more than 'scale' in formal scientific contexts compared to American English, but the compound term is identical.
Connotations
Identical technical connotations of precision, calibration, and scientific rigour in both varieties.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general discourse but standard and identical in technical/scientific registers in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “analytical balance” in a Sentence
[Verb] + the analytical balance: calibrate, use, tare, zero[Preposition] + analytical balance: weigh on an analytical balance, measure with an analytical balance[Adjective] + analytical balance: digital analytical balance, sensitive analytical balanceVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “analytical balance” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [Not applicable as a verb]
American English
- [Not applicable as a verb]
adverb
British English
- [Not applicable as an adverb]
American English
- [Not applicable as an adverb]
adjective
British English
- [Not applicable as an adjective. The word is a compound noun.]
American English
- [Not applicable as an adjective. The word is a compound noun.]
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in procurement for labs or quality control departments in pharmaceuticals or chemicals.
Academic
Common in chemistry, pharmacology, physics, and materials science lab reports and methodology sections.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
The primary context. Refers to the specific instrument used for quantitative chemical analysis, formulation, and precise sample preparation.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “analytical balance”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “analytical balance”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “analytical balance”
- Pronouncing 'analytical' with stress on the third syllable (an-a-LYT-i-cal) instead of the standard third (an-a-LYT-i-cal) is common but minor.
- Using 'analytical balance' to refer to any small scale, e.g., a kitchen scale.
- Misspelling as 'analytic balance' (while sometimes seen, 'analytical' is the far more standard form in this compound).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
An analytical balance is a subtype of precision balance with higher readability (typically 0.1 mg or better) and usually includes a draft shield. All analytical balances are precision balances, but not all precision balances have the sensitivity to be classed as analytical.
It would sound highly unusual and technical. In everyday contexts, people simply say 'scale' or 'kitchen scale'.
Both forms exist, but 'analytical balance' is the far more common and standard term in scientific literature and instrument catalogues.
That glass enclosure is called a draft shield. It prevents air currents, dust, and static electricity from affecting the highly sensitive measurement, ensuring accuracy to the microgram level.
A highly precise weighing instrument used in laboratories to measure mass to a very high degree of accuracy, typically to the sub-milligram level.
Analytical balance is usually technical / scientific in register.
Analytical balance: in British English it is pronounced /ˌæn.əˌlɪt.ɪ.kəl ˈbæl.əns/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌæn.əˌlɪt̬.ɪ.kəl ˈbæl.əns/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this specific technical term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a scientist ANALYZing a chemical with a precise BALANCE. ANALYTICAL + BALANCE = tool for analysis by balancing masses.
Conceptual Metaphor
PRECISION IS A DELICATE BALANCE; SCRUPULOUS ANALYSIS IS PRECISE WEIGHING.
Practice
Quiz
In which setting are you MOST likely to find an analytical balance?