titration
ty-TRAY-shun
/taɪˈtreɪ.ʃən/
A technique of quantitative chemical analysis in which a solution of known concentration is added drop by drop to a sample until a reaction reaches its endpoint.
Refers specifically to volumetric chemical analysis relying on incremental addition and reaction endpoints.
The story behind the word. French metallurgists used titre to designate the official purity or fineness of gold and silver coins. French chemist Joseph Louis Gay-Lussac adapted the word into chemical terminology to denote determining the exact purity or concentration of a solution.
Word relationships
- volumetric analysis: Volumetric analysis is the broader category of chemical techniques; titration is the specific procedure of dropwise addition.
Commonly confused with
- filtration: Filtration separates solids from liquids through a barrier; titration measures chemical concentration through reactions.
Word family
- titrate (verb): To perform a titration on a solution.
- titrant (noun): The solution of known concentration added during a titration.
Collocations
- perform a titration
- acid-base titration
- titration endpoint
- titration curve
Example sentences
- "During the acid-base titration, the student watched for the color change that indicated the neutralization point." Acid-Base Analysis
- "The winery uses automated titration to measure total acidity in every batch of juice." Quality Control
Memory hook
TITRation determines the 'TITLE' or exact strength of a liquid solution. Dropwise test to find chemical strength.
When not to use
Do not use for general mixing of liquids without measuring concentration or endpoints.
Fun facts
- In medicine, doctors also talk about 'titrating medication'—gradually adjusting drug dosage until the optimal therapeutic effect is reached.
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