mass spectrometer: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (C2)Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “mass spectrometer” mean?
An analytical instrument that measures the mass-to-charge ratio of ions to identify and quantify molecules in a sample.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An analytical instrument that measures the mass-to-charge ratio of ions to identify and quantify molecules in a sample.
A device used extensively in chemistry, biochemistry, and forensic science to separate ions of different masses and determine the composition of a substance. It operates by ionizing chemical compounds, accelerating them through an electric or magnetic field, and measuring the resulting spectrum of mass-to-charge ratios.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in the term itself. Minor spelling differences may appear in related terms (e.g., 'analyse/analyze the spectrum').
Connotations
Identical technical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency and specialised in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “mass spectrometer” in a Sentence
The [NOUN] analysed the sample with/in a mass spectrometer.They [VERB] the compound using a mass spectrometer.Data from the mass spectrometer [VERB]...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mass spectrometer” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The mass-spectrometer analysis confirmed the protein's identity.
- We need a new mass spectrometer interface.
American English
- The mass spectrometer data was conclusive.
- They reviewed the mass spectrometer results.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in contexts of selling, manufacturing, or servicing scientific equipment.
Academic
The primary context. Used in research papers, lab reports, and lectures in chemistry, biochemistry, physics, and environmental science.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
The dominant context. Used by scientists, lab technicians, forensic analysts, and in technical documentation.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mass spectrometer”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mass spectrometer”
- Misspelling as 'massspectrometer' or 'mass-spectrometer' (while hyphenated forms exist, the open spelling is standard).
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'We will mass spectrometer the sample' is incorrect; use 'analyse by mass spectrometry' or 'run on the mass spectrometer').
- Confusing it with a 'spectrophotometer' (which measures light absorption).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Historically, 'mass spectrograph' referred to instruments that recorded spectra on a photographic plate. Modern digital instruments are almost universally called 'mass spectrometers,' though the terms are sometimes used interchangeably in a historical context.
No. 'Mass spec' is informal lab slang. In formal research papers, reports, or presentations, always use the full term 'mass spectrometer' or the abbreviation 'MS' (e.g., GC-MS) after first defining it.
A typical mass spectrometer consists of three core parts: an ion source (to vaporize and ionize the sample), a mass analyser (to separate ions by their mass-to-charge ratio), and a detector (to measure the abundance of each ion type).
Its primary applications are in analytical chemistry, proteomics, metabolomics, forensic science, environmental monitoring, pharmaceuticals (drug testing and development), and geology/space science (analysing rock and atmospheric samples).
An analytical instrument that measures the mass-to-charge ratio of ions to identify and quantify molecules in a sample.
Mass spectrometer: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmæs spekˈtrɒm.ɪ.tə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmæs spekˈtrɑː.mə.t̬ɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'spectre' (ghost) that 'meters' or measures the 'mass' of molecules. A machine that 'weighs' molecular ghosts.
Conceptual Metaphor
A molecular scale; A molecular fingerprint scanner; A high-speed sorter for charged particles.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a mass spectrometer?