getter [`ged·ǝr] CHEMISTRY See <<scavenger>> PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY 1. A substance, such as thallium, that binds gases on its surface and is used to maintain a high vacuum in a vacuum tube. 2. A special metal alloy that is placed in a vacuum tube during manufacture and vaporized after the tube has been evacuated; when the vaporized metal condenses, it absorbs residual gases. Also known as degasser. |