triturate

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   to crush, rub, or grind a substance thoroughly into fine particles or powder

   The technician used a mortar and pestle to triturate the mineral sample.

2. 2
   verb

   in laboratory work, to mix solids by repeated grinding or to separate biological tissue into cells by mechanical action

   The protocol instructs researchers to triturate the tissue gently in the culture medium.

From Late Latin triturare, 'thresh or rub down,' based on Latin tritura, 'threshing or rubbing,' and tritus, 'rubbed.' Scientific and pharmaceutical use narrowed the action to thorough grinding, pulverizing, or mechanical separation.

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