mass spectrometer

noun

, Physics.

1. a device for identifying the kinds of particles present in a given substance: the particles are ionized and beamed through an electromagnetic field and the manner in which they are deflected is indicative of their mass and, thus, their identity.

mass spectrometer

noun

1. an analytical instrument in which ions, produced from a sample, are separated by electric or magnetic fields according to their ratios of charge to mass. A record is produced ( mass spectrum ) of the types of ion present and their relative amounts

Word History and Origins

Origin of mass spectrometer¹

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

The samples were analyzed through the mass spectrometer, which allowed researchers to rapidly assess -- within two minutes -- whether an IDH mutation was present.

From Science Daily

In order to achieve such levels of accuracy, current testing requires a device called an inductive coupled plasma mass spectrometer.

From Science Daily

The researchers then pulled the fatty acids from the cells and used a machine called a mass spectrometer to identify the ratio of hydrogen atoms within.

From Science Daily

Then, working with partners at Sciex, researchers developed a new method using a mass spectrometer to fragment the lipids in the cells.This told them about their composition.

From Science Daily

“Nothing’s quite as direct as actually taking a bubble, snapping it open, and putting it straight into a mass spectrometer.”

From Science Magazine