| the analysis of a substance in order to ascertain the nature of its chemical constituents. |
qualitative analysis qual·i·ta·tive analysis (kwŏl'ĭ-tā'tĭv)
n.
The testing of a substance or mixture to determine the characteristics of its chemical constituents.
| qualitative analysis (kwŏl'ĭ-tā'tĭv) Pronunciation Key
See under analysis. |