chromatograph: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Highly technical/scientific. Virtually exclusive to chemistry, biochemistry, and related research fields.
Quick answer
What does “chromatograph” mean?
1) (n.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
1) (n.) A scientific instrument used to separate the components of a mixture for analysis. 2) (v.) To separate components using such an instrument.
The term also refers to the physical output (a visual chart or graph) produced by the instrument during the separation process, and by extension, to the entire analytical technique.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling is consistent.
Connotations
None beyond its strict technical meaning.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency and specialized in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “chromatograph” in a Sentence
N chromatograph + V (separates, analyses, detects)V (use, calibrate, operate) + the chromatographPrep (on, with, via) + a chromatographVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chromatograph” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The team will chromatograph the extract to identify the alkaloids.
- We chromatographed the reaction mixture on silica gel.
American English
- We need to chromatograph this sample before proceeding.
- The compound was chromatographed using a gradient elution method.
adverb
British English
- The components were separated chromatographically.
- The sample was analysed chromatographically.
American English
- The mixture was resolved chromatographically.
- They purified the compound chromatographically.
adjective
British English
- The chromatographic data confirmed the presence of two isomers.
- A chromatographic separation was performed.
American English
- The chromatographic profile showed a clear peak.
- Chromatographic techniques are essential for purity analysis.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Extremely rare, except in specific contexts like the business-to-business sales of laboratory equipment.
Academic
The primary context. Used in research papers, lab reports, and methodology sections in chemistry, pharmacology, environmental science, and forensics.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
The exclusive domain. Precision is paramount; specific types (e.g., GC, HPLC) are always specified.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chromatograph”
- Using 'chromatography' (the technique) when referring to the physical machine (the chromatograph).
- Incorrect stress: pronouncing it as CHRO-matograph instead of chro-MAT-o-graph.
- Misspelling as 'chromotograph'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A chromatograph is the physical instrument used to perform the separation. A chromatogram is the visual output (the graph or chart) produced by the instrument, showing the separated components as peaks.
No. It is a highly specialised technical term used almost exclusively in scientific research, analytical laboratories, and related industries. The average native speaker will not know this word.
Yes, in technical jargon. It means 'to separate or analyse using a chromatograph'. For example, 'The chemist chromatographed the sample.' This usage is accepted within the scientific community but is a functional shift from the primary noun form.
The most common are Gas Chromatographs (GC) and High-Performance Liquid Chromatographs (HPLC). Others include Ion Chromatographs (IC), Size-Exclusion Chromatographs (SEC), and Affinity Chromatographs.
1) (n.
Chromatograph is usually highly technical/scientific. virtually exclusive to chemistry, biochemistry, and related research fields. in register.
Chromatograph: in British English it is pronounced /krəʊˈmæt.ə.ɡrɑːf/, and in American English it is pronounced /kroʊˈmæt̬.ə.ɡræf/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'CHROMA' (Greek for colour) and 'GRAPH' (to write). Early versions produced coloured bands on paper – the instrument 'writes with colour' to show a mixture's composition.
Conceptual Metaphor
The chromatograph is a "molecular race track" where different components travel at different speeds.
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is the word 'chromatograph' used as a verb?