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

First, the crude diterpene extract was separated into 19 fractions using silica gel chromatography.

From Science Daily • Jan. 11, 2026

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

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

From Seattle Times • Feb. 2, 2024

Researchers have made their own silica gel, а staple in chromatography machines, which separate chemical compounds from mixtures.

From Science Magazine • Nov. 9, 2023

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