spectroscopy

[ spek-tros-kuh-pee, spek-truh-skoh-pee ]

noun
  1. the science that deals with the use of the spectroscope and with spectrum analysis.

Origin of spectroscopy

1
First recorded in 1865–70; spectro- + -scopy

Other words from spectroscopy

  • spec·tros·co·pist [spek-tros-kuh-pist], /spɛkˈtrɒs kə pɪst/, noun

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British Dictionary definitions for spectroscopy

spectroscopy

/ (spɛkˈtrɒskəpɪ) /


noun
  1. the science and practice of using spectrometers and spectroscopes and of analysing spectra, the methods employed depending on the radiation being examined. The techniques are widely used in chemical analysis and in studies of the properties of atoms, molecules, ions, etc

Derived forms of spectroscopy

  • spectroscopist, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for spectroscopy

spectroscopy

[ spĕk-trŏskə-pē ]


  1. The analysis of spectra, especially light or mass spectra, to determine properties of their source.♦ In light or optical spectroscopy, the spectrum of a light source is analyzed through a spectroscope to determine atomic composition of a substance. In astronomy, phenomena such as red shift can also be analyzed.♦ In mass spectroscopy, a spectroscope is used to determine the composition of ions or charged molecules in a sample. Spectroscopy is also called spectrography. See also atomic spectrum spectroscope.

The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Cultural definitions for spectroscopy

spectroscopy

[ (spek-tros-kuh-pee) ]


The branch of science devoted to discovering the chemical composition of materials by looking at the light (and other kinds of electromagnetic radiation) they emit. Scientists use spectroscopy to determine the nature of distant stars and galaxies as well as to identify and monitor the production of products in factories.

The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.