What does elutriator mean?
An elutriator is a technical device for separating a mixture of particles according to differences in size, density, or weight. It works by passing the material through a stream of air or liquid: the fluid's drag carries smaller or lighter particles away, while larger or heavier particles settle or remain in a separate stream. The word is used in mineral processing, chemical engineering, environmental monitoring, and laboratory analysis, where precise separation of powders, dusts, and other particulate materials is important. Although the general term separator can cover many kinds of machinery, elutriator specifically identifies equipment in which fluid flow performs the sorting. It is a specialized term, but one that neatly captures an important principle in both nature and industry: moving air or water can sort materials according to how they respond to resistance and gravity.
nounAn elutriator is a device that separates particles of different sizes or densities by passing a mixture through a flowing gas or liquid. The faster-moving fluid carries finer particles away while larger or heavier particles remain behind.
- A machine or apparatus for separating particles by size, density, or weight using an upward or circulating flow of air or liquid.
"The laboratory used an air elutriator to separate the crushed mineral sample into finer fractions."
"The mineral was divided into several grades with a pneumatic elutriator."
"Air flowing through the elutriator carried the finest dust particles into a collection chamber."
The plural is formed by adding -s to the singular noun.
"Several elutriators are used in the pilot plant to process the samples."
An elutriator sorts particles without a screen, using the invisible force of a stream of air or water to decide what rises, floats, or falls.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does elutriator come from?
The word comes through Latin elutriāre, meaning “to wash out” or “to separate by washing,” from elutus, “washed,” ultimately related to lavāre, “to wash.” English developed elutriation for the process and elutriator for the apparatus. The related forms elutriate and elutriation preserve the same Latin root, while elutus is the Latin form meaning “washed” or “washed out.”
How elutriator is actually used
This is a technical term used chiefly in mineral processing, chemical engineering, environmental science, and laboratory work. It is more formal and specialized than the general terms separator or sifter.