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Molisch test

Molisch test

8.4
A lab test that shows sugar by making a purple ring
  • noun
  • /ˈmoʊlɪʃ tɛst/
  • Specialized
translation icon : prueba de Molisch
  • The Molisch test produced a distinct violet ring, confirming the presence of carbohydrates in the sample.

Examples

  • A positive Molisch test indicated that the unknown solution contained a significant amount of sugar.

  • The Molisch test is essential for detecting carbohydrates.

  • First-year biochemistry students often learn the Molisch test as part of carbohydrate analysis.

  • Have you performed the Molisch test yet?

  • The Molisch test produced a distinct violet ring, confirming the presence of carbohydrates in the sample.

  • First-year biochemistry students often learn the Molisch test as part of carbohydrate analysis.

  • A positive Molisch test indicated that the unknown solution contained a significant amount of sugar.

Synonyms

Molisch's test
vsMolisch test
  • Specialized
9.3

A chemical test that shows sugars in a liquid by making a violet ring

is the same test but uses the nonpossessive form
Molisch reaction
vsMolisch test
  • Specialized
9.9

A chemical test that shows a violet ring when sugars are present

is the same procedure but named as a test not a reaction
alpha-naphthol test
vsMolisch test
  • Specialized
8.3

A chemical test that shows a violet ring when sugar is in a liquid

is the same detection method but named after the discoverer

Surface Forms

Molisch test singular
Molisch tests plural

Morphology

Molisch + test

This is an eponymous term: the only transparent constituent is 'test' (a general check), while 'Molisch' is a proper name with no lexical meaning that would indicate carbohydrates. A B1 learner who knows the words would guess it is some kind of test but could not derive the specific biochemical function (detecting carbohydrates), so the expression is not compositional.

Etymology

Molisch test is named after the chemist Molisch and gives a purple ring when sugar is present in a solution. So that bright ring is the memory hook: it 'shows' that the sample 'contains carbohydrates'.