qualitative analysis

American

noun

Chemistry.

the analysis of a substance in order to ascertain the nature of its chemical constituents.

qualitative analysis British

noun

See analysis

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

qualitative analysis Scientific

/ kwŏl′ĭ-tā′tĭv /

See under analysis

Etymology

Origin of qualitative analysis

First recorded in 1835–45

Compare meaning

How does qualitative-analysis compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

qualitative analysis vs. quantitative analysis

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Go to TOC Qualitative analysis refers to those examinations which relate simply to the presence or the absence of certain substances, irrespective of their quantities.

From A System of Instruction in the Practical Use of the Blowpipe Being A Graduated Course Of Analysis For The Use Of Students And All Those Engaged In The Examination Of Metallic Combinations by Anonymous

Qualitative analysis shows what elements enter into a compound; quantitative analysis shows the proportion of these elements; structural analysis exhibits molecular structure, and is the branch to which organic chemists are now giving particular attention.

From An Introduction to Chemical Science by Williams, Rufus Phillips

Qualitative analysis must therefore precede quantitative analysis, for it must be known what elements, are in a compound before a method can be devised for determining exactly how much of each is present.

From An Elementary Study of Chemistry by McPherson, William

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023