Cytoplasmic separator

From Memory Alpha, the free Star Trek reference.

A cytoplasmic separator is a piece of scientific equipment.

Before realizing that Odo was a sentient lifeform, Doctor Mora Pol placed him in a cytoplasmic separator in an attempt to determine his true nature. This highly unpleasant experience contributed to Odo's bitterness towards Pol in later years. (DS9: "The Begotten")