A process by which a mixture of ionic or neutral species is identified according to the mass-to-charge (m/z) ratios (ions) or their aggregate atomic masses (neutrals). The analysis may be qualitative and/or quantitative.
Source:
PAC, 1991, 63, 1541. 'Recommendations for nomenclature and symbolism for mass spectroscopy (including an appendix of terms used in vacuum technology). (Recommendations 1991)' on page 1545 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199163101541)