A device for removing and retaining contaminants from air or other gases; a term which is often applied to cleaning devices in exhaust systems. Also used to designate a device for removing and retaining samples from media in different environmental compartments to be investigated. A collector is sometimes used to describe a scavenger.
Source:
PAC, 1990, 62, 2167. 'Glossary of atmospheric chemistry terms (Recommendations 1990)' on page 2181 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199062112167)