microanalysis

[ mahy-kroh-uh-nal-uh-sis ]

noun

, plural mi·cro·a·nal·y·ses [mahy-kroh-, uh, -, nal, -, uh, -seez].

1. Chemistry. the analysis of very small samples of substances.
2. the detailed analysis of a sphere of behavior, as of human communication.

microanalysis

/ ˌmaɪkrəʊˈænəlɪst; ˌmaɪkrəʊəˈnælɪsɪs; ˌmaɪkrəʊˌænəˈlɪtɪk /

noun

1. the qualitative or quantitative chemical analysis of very small amounts of substances

Derived Forms

• microanalytic, adjective
• microanalyst, noun

Other Words From

• mi·cro·an·a·lyst [mahy-kroh-, an, -l-ist], noun
• mi·cro·an·a·lyt·i·cal [mahy-kroh-an-l-, it, -i-k, uh, l], micro·ana·lytic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of microanalysis¹

First recorded in 1855–60; micro- + analysis

Example Sentences

A new microanalysis approach developed at Washington University helped the researchers to separate out signals in pyrite that reveal the relative influence of microbes and that of local climate.

From Science Daily

"These samples were brought to Earth half-a-century ago, but only today do we have the necessary tools to perform microanalysis at the requisite level, including atom-probe tomography."

From Science Daily

R.J. and S.F. processed samples, identified sources and constructed the profile; J.A.H. conducted the Bayesian analysis of the geochemistry; M.R. analysed shards by electron probe microanalysis; N.C. helped to direct the excavations and collected many of the samples; J.A.H. provided the statistical model; P.K. studied the sedimentology and geology of the site and first discovered the shards; T.M. is an excavation permit co-holder and contributes to the palaeoenvironmental studies; and Z.J. conducted the OSL dating and Bayesian modelling of OSL ages.

From Nature

MPI-DING reference glasses for in situ microanalysis: new reference values for element concentrations and isotope ratios.

From Nature

Microanalysis: We can analyze trace gases and volatiles with the precision and accuracy needed to address fundamental questions in lunar science, such as the trace water in pyroclastic glass returned from the moon.

From Scientific American