column chromatography n chromatography in which the substances to be separated are introduced onto the top of a column packed with an adsorbent (as silica gel or alumina), pass through the column at different rates that depend on the affinity of each substance for the adsorbent and for the solvent or solvent mixture, and are usu. collected in solution as they pass from the column at different times compare GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY, PAPER CHROMATOGRAPHY, THIN-LAYER CHROMATOGRAPHY
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a type of chromatography using a sorbent packed in a column. The sample, dissolved in a solvent, is poured in the top. Some components are retained in the column bound to the sorbent. They are then washed out (eluted) in successive aliquots of the same solvent (more strongly bound components being eluted later) or of different solvents.Medical dictionary. 2011.