C1 noun Formal

microciter

/ˈmaɪkroʊˌtaɪtər/

A laboratory tool or technique used for performing chemical or biological tests on a very small scale, typically involving a plate with multiple tiny wells. It is a fundamental component in high-throughput screening, immunology, and diagnostic testing to analyze small volumes of liquid.

Examples

3 of 5
1

The lab technician used a microtiter plate to test several antibiotic concentrations at once.

The laboratory worker used a small multi-well tray to check many levels of antibiotics simultaneously.

2

Our study utilizes a microtiter assay to quantify the level of viral antibodies in the patient samples.

Our research uses a small-scale measurement method to count virus-fighting proteins in the samples.

3

Can you grab a 96-well microtiter from the cabinet for this experiment?

Could you get a 96-hole testing plate from the cupboard for this project?

Word Family

Noun
microtiter
Verb
microtitrate
Adjective
microtitrimetric
Related
titration
💡

Memory Tip

Think of 'micro' (small) and 'titer' (the concentration of a substance). A microtiter plate is for finding the concentration of things in small amounts.

Quick Quiz

To save on expensive reagents, the researcher decided to perform the experiment using a __________ plate instead of large test tubes.

Correct!

The correct answer is: microtiter

Examples

1

The lab technician used a microtiter plate to test several antibiotic concentrations at once.

everyday

The laboratory worker used a small multi-well tray to check many levels of antibiotics simultaneously.

2

Our study utilizes a microtiter assay to quantify the level of viral antibodies in the patient samples.

formal

Our research uses a small-scale measurement method to count virus-fighting proteins in the samples.

3

Can you grab a 96-well microtiter from the cabinet for this experiment?

informal

Could you get a 96-hole testing plate from the cupboard for this project?

4

The development of the microtiter system revolutionized the field of serology by allowing for rapid, large-scale testing.

academic

Creating the micro-scale testing system changed blood study by enabling fast, massive testing.

5

Investing in automated microtiter equipment will significantly reduce our diagnostic turnaround time.

business

Buying robotic micro-scale testing tools will shorten the time it takes to get results.

Word Family

Noun
microtiter
Verb
microtitrate
Adjective
microtitrimetric
Related
titration

Common Collocations

microtiter plate A flat plate with multiple 'wells' used as small test tubes.
microtiter assay A laboratory procedure performed in a micro-scale format.
microtiter well A single small compartment or hole in a microtiter plate.
microtiter method A specific scientific technique involving small-volume measurements.
96-well microtiter The most common configuration for these laboratory plates.

Common Phrases

microtiter system

The complete setup of plates and readers used for micro-scale analysis.

standard microtiter format

The internationally recognized dimensions and layout of these plates.

microtiter technique

The specialized skill required to perform these small-scale tests.

Often Confused With

microciter vs microcyte

A microtiter is a laboratory tool, whereas a microcyte is an abnormally small red blood cell.

microciter vs micrometer

A microtiter handles small volumes of liquid, while a micrometer measures very small distances or thicknesses.

📝

Usage Notes

This term is most commonly encountered as a noun adjunct in the phrase 'microtiter plate.' It is strictly technical and used primarily in biological, chemical, and medical laboratory settings.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners may misspell it as 'microciter' or 'microtitre' (the latter is the British spelling). It is sometimes confused with medical terms ending in '-cyte' which refer to cells.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of 'micro' (small) and 'titer' (the concentration of a substance). A microtiter plate is for finding the concentration of things in small amounts.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Greek 'mikros' (small) and the French 'titre' (standard or concentration).

Grammar Patterns

Used as a countable noun in its plural form: microtiters. Frequently used as a modifier before another noun (e.g., microtiter technology).
🌍

Cultural Context

The microtiter plate was invented by a Hungarian scientist in 1951 and is now a global standard in biomedical research.

Quick Quiz

To save on expensive reagents, the researcher decided to perform the experiment using a __________ plate instead of large test tubes.

Correct!

The correct answer is: microtiter

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