Definition

A substance that is being tested or analyzed in a scientific study or experiment.

Example

In the lab, the chemist prepared the analyte for testing its properties.

Conversation

I just learned about the concept of an analyte in my chemistry class.

Oh really? What exactly is an analyte?

It's any substance that's being analyzed during experiments.

That sounds interesting! I didn't know that before.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Analyte → It is formed from "analysis" (from Greek "analusis", meaning a breaking up or loosening) and the suffix "-te" (used to form nouns). The word "analyte" refers to a substance whose chemical constituents are being identified and analyzed.

Memory Tip

Think of 'analysis' as breaking something down to understand it better — that's what an analyte is, a substance being broken down for examination.

Visually Confused Words