elute
C2Technical / Scientific
Definition
Meaning
To wash out or extract (a substance) from a material, typically by using a solvent, especially in chromatography.
To remove (an adsorbed substance) from an adsorbent (like a chromatographic column) by means of a solvent; to extract by washing.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
This is a highly specific, transitive verb almost exclusively used in scientific contexts, particularly chemistry, biochemistry, and laboratory procedures. It describes the specific action of using a solvent (an 'eluent') to extract a compound that is adhered to a solid medium.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or grammatical differences. Pronunciation differs slightly (see IPA).
Connotations
Identical technical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally rare and confined to scientific/technical registers in both UK and US English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject: scientist/technician] elute [Object: compound] from [Source: column/resin] with [Instrument: solvent][Subject: solvent] elute [Object: compound]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “N/A”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not used.
Academic
Core term in chemistry, biochemistry, and related lab science papers and protocols.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Essential verb in laboratory manuals, chromatography procedures, and analytical chemistry.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The technician will elute the purified antibody from the affinity column using a low-pH buffer.
- We need to elute with a stronger solvent to recover the remaining compound.
American English
- The protocol states to elute the sample from the cartridge with five milliliters of acetone.
- Fractions containing the protein were eluted from the resin during the salt gradient.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Examples
By CEFR Level
- N/A
- N/A
- In the experiment, we used alcohol to elute the dye from the paper.
- The goal is to elute the desired material from the mixture.
- To purify the enzyme, the researcher will elute it from the ion-exchange column with a precise potassium chloride gradient.
- The less polar compounds were the first to be eluted under the reverse-phase conditions.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'ELUTE' as 'Extract Liquids Using THe Eluent'. The 'lu' in 'elute' connects to 'liquid' and 'wash' (as in 'dilute').
Conceptual Metaphor
WASHING OUT captured prisoners (molecules) from a fortress (the column) using a special key (the solvent).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with "элюировать" (direct cognate) which is also technical. The simpler translation "вымывать" or "извлекать" may be more intuitive in explanation, but "элюировать" is the precise equivalent.
- Not related to "элитный" (elite).
Common Mistakes
- Using it intransitively (e.g., 'The compound eluted.' is technically acceptable in lab jargon, but 'was eluted' is clearer for learners).
- Confusing spelling with 'elude' (to escape) or 'dilute' (to make weaker).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary context for the verb 'to elute'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. It is a highly technical term used almost exclusively in scientific contexts, particularly chemistry and biochemistry.
The related noun is 'elution', which refers to the process of eluting. The solvent used is called the 'eluent', and what comes out is the 'eluate'.
Extremely rarely. Figurative use (e.g., 'eluting secrets') would be seen as a deliberate, esoteric metaphor.
'Extract' is a general term. 'Elute' is a specific type of extraction where a solvent (eluent) washes a substance off a solid adsorbent material, usually in a controlled, analytical process like chromatography.