mass spectrometry

noun

: an instrumental method for identifying the chemical constitution of a substance by means of the separation of gaseous ions according to their differing mass and charge

called also mass spectroscopy

mass spectrometric adjective
mass spectrometer noun

Examples of mass spectrometry in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Experts examined the needles using mass spectrometry, which measures molecules’ mass-to-charge ratio, and an imaging technique called micro-CT scanning. Julia Binswanger, Smithsonian Magazine, 11 Dec. 2024 The researchers synthesized and isolated the chemical, then analyzed it with high-resolution mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, to reveal its properties. Michael Irving, New Atlas, 21 Nov. 2024 But by combining classic synthesis methods with advanced analytical techniques, including both high-resolution mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry, the scientists were ultimately able to isolate and identify chloronitramide anion. Sharon Udasin, The Hill, 21 Nov. 2024 Researchers used mass spectrometry methods to detect benzene in 111 new, unopened products stored at room temperature on shelves of major U.S. retailers. Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 9 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for mass spectrometry 

Word History

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mass spectrometry was in 1926

Dictionary Entries Near mass spectrometry

Cite this Entry

“Mass spectrometry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mass%20spectrometry. Accessed 27 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

mass spectrometry

noun
: an instrumental method for identifying the chemical constitution of a substance by means of the separation of gaseous ions according to their differing mass and charge

called also mass spectroscopy

mass spectrometric adjective
mass spectrometrically adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on mass spectrometry

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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