Definition

A unit used to measure how fast particles settle in a liquid when spun in a centrifuge, often used in scientific contexts to study proteins and other substances.

Example

The researchers measured the sedimentation rate of the protein using the svedberg unit.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of a svedberg?

Yeah, I think it's related to how particles settle in a solution, right?

Exactly! It's used to measure the sedimentation rate of proteins.

That’s pretty cool; I didn’t realize it was such a specific unit!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

The word 'svedberg' originates from Swedish, named after the Swedish chemist Theodor Svedberg, who developed the Svedberg unit of measurement for sedimentation rates in centrifugation. It refers specifically to a unit of measure in biochemistry.

Memory Tip

Think of Theodor Svedberg, the chemist who created a way to measure sedimentation rates — that's why 'svedberg' is a unit named after him.

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