semimicro-, prefix and quasi-a. Chem.
(sɛmɪˈmaɪkrəʊ)
[f. semi- 1 a + micro- 2 a, 8 b.]
a. Formative element denoting a scale of quantitative analysis between micro-scale and macro-scale (commonly 0·01–0·1 gramme), as in semimicroanalysis, semimicro-analytical adj., semimicro-determination, semimicro-method.
| 1951 A. I. Vogel Text-Bk. Quantitative Inorg. Analysis (ed. 2) xi. 814 Semi-micro-analysis is concerned with the manipulation of 10–100 mg. of material, whilst micro⁓analysis deals with 1–10 mg. of material. |
| 1938 Jrnl. Soc. Chem. Industry Dec. 464/1 (heading) The determination of free and saline ammonia using a semi-microanalytical method. |
| 1937 Industr. & Engin. Chem. (Analytical Ed.) 15 June 296 (heading) Micro-, semimicro-, and macro-determination of halogens in organic compounds. |
| 1933 Ibid. Nov. 402/1 Northrop..has used a semi-micromethod with an accuracy of 0·2 per cent. 1963 tr. Alexeyev's Quantitative Analysis i. 16 The main advantages of the micro- and semimicromethods are their high speed and the need for only very small amounts of material. |
b. Used without hyphen as an independent word.
| 1935 Industr. & Engin. Chem. (Analytical Ed.) Nov. 432/1 Semi-micro adaptations of the classical Kjeldahl method..have been reported. 1946 F. Schneider Qualitative Organic Microanalysis ii. 39 Bernhauer describes several types of micro or semi-micro receivers for vacuum distillations. Ibid. vii. 195 A test for the nitro group carried out on a semi-micro scale. 1974 [see micro- 8 b]. 1976 Lancet 13 Nov. 1091/2 Plasma creatinine (semi⁓micro alkaline-picrate method) and urea (diacetyl⁓monoxime method) concentrations were measured. |