plate out
A science term: when metal sticks onto a surface because of a chemical or electrical reaction, sometimes when you don't want it to.
Meanings
In electroplating or electrochemistry, to deposit metal onto a surface.
"Copper began to plate out on the cathode as current was passed through the solution."
In microbiology, to spread a sample of bacteria or cells onto a growth medium (agar plate).
"The researcher plated out the bacterial culture to isolate individual colonies."
Used in electrochemistry, electroplating, and microbiology. In chemistry, 'plate out' can describe both intentional plating and undesired metal deposition on reactor walls or equipment. In microbiology, it can refer to spreading bacteria onto a petri dish. Highly technical.
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Forms
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Synonyms
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