spectrograph

noun

spec·​tro·​graph ˈspek-t(r)ə-ˌgraf How to pronounce spectrograph (audio)
: an instrument for dispersing radiation (such as electromagnetic radiation or sound waves) into a spectrum and recording or mapping the spectrum
spectrographic adjective
spectrographically adverb
spectrography noun

Examples of spectrograph in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The mystery of rogue planet formation The team made their discovery by analyzing observation data from the X-shooter spectrograph on ESO’s VLT, located in Chile’s Atacama Desert. Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 2 Oct. 2025 Next, the researchers studied it using the X-shooter spectrograph on the Very Large Telescope, which can capture different wavelengths of light emitted by an object ranging from ultraviolet to near-infrared. Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2025 The nature of the four components of UPM J1040−3551 AabBab was confirmed by spectroscopy performed for Aab using optical light using the Goodman spectrograph on the Southern Astrophysical Research (SOAR) Telescope at Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory in Chile. Robert Lea, Space.com, 22 Aug. 2025 The mission was the first to carry technology combining a standard imager to capture photos and videos with a spectrograph, which dissects light into its various wavelengths, according to NASA. Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 21 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for spectrograph

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of spectrograph was in 1884

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Cite this Entry

“Spectrograph.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spectrograph. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

spectrograph

noun
spec·​tro·​graph ˈspek-t(r)ə-ˌgraf How to pronounce spectrograph (audio)
: an instrument for spreading radiation (as of light or sound) into a spectrum and photographing or mapping the spectrum

Medical Definition

spectrograph

noun
spec·​tro·​graph -ˌgraf How to pronounce spectrograph (audio)
: an instrument for dispersing radiation (as electromagnetic radiation or sound waves) into a spectrum and photographing or mapping the spectrum
spectrographic adjective
spectrographically adverb
spectrography noun
plural spectrographies

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