Definition

A type of solvent that is used to separate substances in a process called elution.

Example

The chemist used an eluant to extract the desired compound from the mixture.

Conversation

Have you ever worked with an eluant in your chemistry experiments?

Yeah, I used one last week for separating compounds.

Which eluant did you choose for that experiment?

I went with methanol; it worked really well for what I needed.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

**Eluant** → It is formed from "eluere" (meaning to wash out or to free) and the suffix "-ant" (indicating an agent or something that performs an action). The word "eluant" refers to a substance that washes out or extracts another substance, typically in a chemical context.

Memory Tip

Think of a substance that 'washes out' ('eluere') something else — that's why 'eluant' refers to a washing or extracting agent.

Visually Confused Words