Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/ɪˈluːʃən/

Definitions

1. (In chemistry) The process of extracting or removing a substance from a solid material, typically by washing it with a solvent.

2. (Figurative) The act of escaping or evading something, especially when done skillfully or cleverly.

Usage Examples

1. "The elution of the sample from the column was completed successfully using an ethanol solution."

2. "The criminal's elution from the scene left the police baffled for days."

3. "Scientists use various methods of elution to purify compounds from a mixture."

Etymology

From the Latin word "elutio," meaning "washing out," derived from the verb "eluo," meaning "to wash out." The prefix "e-" means "out," and "lutio" comes from "lavare," meaning "to wash." The term evolved in the 19th century to describe the process in chemistry of extracting substances using a solvent.

Synonyms

• Extraction
• Washing out
• Dislodgement
• Leaching
• Evacuation

Antonyms

• Absorption
• Incorporation
• Retention
• Capture

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

The pronunciation of "elution" is generally consistent across regions. However, in non-native English speakers, slight variations in stress and vowel pronunciation may be observed depending on their linguistic background.

Historical Usage

The term "elution" has been used since the early 19th century, primarily in the field of chemistry, to describe the process of extracting materials from a solid using a liquid solvent. It has evolved over time to be used in broader contexts, particularly in biochemistry and environmental science, where similar processes are used to extract or purify substances.

Cultural Nuances

While the term "elution" is heavily associated with laboratory practices and scientific procedures, it has also metaphorical uses. In some contexts, it can refer to the idea of escaping or being removed from a difficult or dangerous situation. This figurative use can appear in literature or speech to describe a person's skill in evading capture or avoiding an undesirable circumstance.

More Information

Elution is a critical concept in various scientific disciplines, especially in chromatography, where it refers to the process of removing a substance from a stationary phase using a solvent. This concept is also employed in environmental sciences, where pollutants are eluted from soil or water samples for analysis. While 'elution' typically refers to a scientific process, its use has expanded metaphorically to describe any process of extraction or removal in non-technical fields. Understanding the principle of elution is essential for anyone working in chemistry, biochemistry, or environmental analysis.