What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
elution
Example
The protein was eluted from the column using a high salt buffer. [eluted: past tense verb]
Example
Elution is an important step in the purification of proteins. [elution: noun]
purification
Example
The water was purified using a reverse osmosis system. [purified: past tense verb]
Example
Purification of the protein was achieved through several chromatography steps. [purification: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Purification is a more common term than elution in everyday language, as it has a broader scope and can be applied to many different contexts. Elution is a more specialized term used primarily in scientific and technical fields.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between elution and purification?
Both elution and purification are technical terms used in scientific and industrial contexts, and are therefore considered formal language.