chromatography

American  

[kroh-muh-tog-ruh-fee] / ˌkroʊ məˈtɒg rə fi /

noun

Chemistry.

1. the separation of mixtures into their constituents by preferential adsorption by a solid, as a column of silica column chromatography or a strip of filter paper paper chromatography, or by a liquid.

---

chromatography British  

/ ˌkrəʊmətəˈɡræfɪk, ˌkrəʊməˈtɒɡrəfɪ /

noun

1. the technique of separating and analysing the components of a mixture of liquids or gases by selective adsorption in, for example, a column of powder ( column chromatography ) or on a strip of paper ( paper chromatography ) See also gas chromatography

---

chromatography Scientific  

/ krō′mə-tŏg′rə-fē /

1. A technique used to separate the components of a chemical mixture by moving the mixture along a stationary material, such as gelatin. Different components of the mixture are caught by the material at different rates and form isolated bands that can then be analyzed.

---

Other Word Forms

• chromatographer noun
• chromatographic adjective
• chromatographically adverb

Etymology

Origin of chromatography

First recorded in 1725–35; chromato- + -graphy

Example Sentences

The researchers used a technique called gas chromatography to separate the different smells inside the sarcophagus that combined to make its scent.

From BBC • Feb. 14, 2025

It used analytical techniques such as size exclusion chromatography, nuclear magnetic resonance, and scanning electron microscopy allowing scientists to examine not just how the teabags had changed visibly but also structurally.

From Science Daily • May 28, 2024

The team describes its proof-of-concept magnetized chromatography method in ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering.

From Science Daily • Feb. 29, 2024

His own laboratory switched from helium gas to hydrogen gas for a chromatography project.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 2, 2024

Gas chromatography of air samples might reveal blips of difference between substances released over a Glasgow football match, a committee meeting on academic promotions, and a summer beach on Saturday afternoon, all highly important.

From "The Lives of a Cell" by Lewis Thomas