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mass spectrometer

mass spectrometer

3 5.5
A machine that measures the masses of charged particles from a sample
  • noun
  • /mæs spɛkˈtrɒmɪtər/
  • Specialized
translation icon : espectrómetro de masas
  • Some of these charged molecules then pass through a slit for analysis by a mass spectrometer.
  • chromatograph-mass spectrometer
  • gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer
  • plasma mass spectrometer

Not even paleo climate scientists who use mass spectrometers.

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Examples

  • Both use a high mass resolution, magnetic-sector mass spectrometer with ion-counting detection.

    Academic text (1998)
  • So researchers can follow their "footprints" by putting samples in a mass spectrometer, which separates chemicals by minuscule changes in weight.

    Academic text (1994)
  • The scientists will use instruments called mass spectrometers to identify the smoke chemicals.

    Academic text (1999)
  • The company designs, develops, and manufactures mass spectrometers for the scientific and medical industries.

    Academic text (2000)
  • Our tandem accelerator, mass spectrometer is the most powerful and accurate means of radiocarbon dating that has yet to be developed.

  • Pfeiffer Vacuum is the worldwide representative for Balzers Instruments, offering vacuum gauges, leak detectors, and mass spectrometers.

    Academic text (1997)
  • The scientists will use mass spectrometers to identify the smoke chemicals released during the fire.

  • Each lander was equipped with a mass spectrometer to analyze the soil for organic molecules.

  • The company produces advanced mass spectrometers that help researchers measure the masses of ions accurately.

Synonyms

spectrometer
vsmass spectrometer
  • Specialized
13 7.2

A machine that measures light or separates charged particles to identify substances

is specialized to separate ions by deflecting them with electric or magnetic fields
mass spectrograph
vsmass spectrometer
  • Specialized
4.9

A machine that separates tiny charged parts of atoms by mass and shows them on a graph

focuses on using electrical or magnetic deflection to measure ion masses

How Sensitive

quantometer
  • Specialized
1 9.9
mass spectrometer
  • Specialized
3 5.5
spectrometer
  • Specialized
13 7.2
analyzer
  • Specialized
13 4.2
meter
127 3.2
indicator
  • Specialized
3 4.3

Surface Forms

Morphology

mass + spectrometer

The compound 'mass spectrometer' is directly interpretable from 'mass' (amount of matter) + 'spectrometer' (an instrument for analyzing spectra/ions): it denotes an instrument for measuring masses. This noun–noun compositional pattern (instrument for measuring X) is cross-linguistically common, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents would readily infer the meaning.

Etymology

Mass spectrometer is named for what the machine does: it sorts tiny charged bits by mass and the spectrometer part makes a 'spectrum' — a clear pattern of those masses. So the name means 'a machine that separates and measures masses' and helps scientists 'identify' what is in a sample.