Dysanalyte

/dɪsˈænəlaɪt/ noun

Definition

A substance that does not break down or separate properly during chemical analysis or that produces misleading results when analyzed.

Etymology

From dys- (bad/abnormal) + analyte (a substance being analyzed), a technical chemistry term formed in the 20th century for problematic compounds in lab work.

Kelly Says

When scientists are testing a mixture and one chemical interferes with the measurement of another, they call that troublesome chemical a dysanalyte—it's like having a student in your group project who makes everyone's scores worse.

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