n :  a unit of time amounting to 10^-13 second that is used to measure the sedimentation velocity of a colloidal solution (as of a protein) in an ultracentrifuge and to determine molecular weight by substitution in an equation - called also svedberg unit 
 
Svedberg, Theodor (1884-1971), Swedish chemist. Svedberg was associated with the University of Uppsala for virtually all of his research career. In 1924 he developed the ultracentrifuge to facilitate the separation of colloids and large molecules. His ultracentrifuge helped determine the presence of substances contaminating protein molecules. In 1926 he was awarded the Nobel Prize for Chemistry for his development of the ultracentrifuge.
 
   
 
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