absorption spectrum

absorption spectrum   n.  The electromagnetic spectrum, broken by a specific pattern of dark lines or bands, observed when radiation traverses a particular absorbing medium. The absorption pattern is unique and can be used to identify the material.

Main Entry: absorption spectrum
Function: noun
: an electromagnetic spectrum in which a decrease in intensity of radiation at specific wavelengths or ranges ofwavelengths characteristic of an absorbing substance (as chlorophyll) is manifested especially as a pattern of dark lines or bands —compare EMISSION SPECTRUM

absorption spectrum n.
The electromagnetic spectrum, broken by a specific pattern of dark lines or bands, observed when radiation traverses a particular absorbing medium.

absorption spectrum   The range of frequencies of electromagnetic radiation readily absorbed by a substance by virtue of its chemical composition. See more at atomic spectrum.