spectrometer

noun spec·trom·e·ter \ spek-ˈträ-mə-tər \

|Updated on: 14 Jun 2018

Definition of spectrometer

1 : an instrument used for measuring wavelengths of light spectra

2 : any of various analytical instruments in which an emission (as of particles or radiation) is dispersed according to some property (such as mass or energy) of the emission and the amount of dispersion is measured

nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer

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spectrometric

play \ˌspek-trə-ˈme-trik\ adjective

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spectrometry

play \spek-ˈträ-mə-trē\ noun

See spectrometer defined for kids

Recent Examples of spectrometer from the Web

With a combination of high-resolution cameras, stereo images, altimeters, and spectrometers, Mars Express has revealed Mars in new and fascinating ways.

— eric berger, Ars Technica, "Mars Express has revealed the Red Planet in stunning new ways," 1 June 2018
In nearby labs, one group assembled micro-satellites, while another huddled around a spectrometer for a course in biomedicine.

— The Economist, "Vladimir Putin’s latest pet project: a school for clever students," 26 May 2018
Among the four types of organic aerosols identified by the mass spectrometer, one was found mainly in the classroom.

— karen kaplan, latimes.com, "This room was off-limits to smokers, but its air contained surprising amounts of 'thirdhand smoke'," 9 May 2018
It was also conveniently located across the hall from a laboratory that contained an aerosol mass spectrometer, which identifies and measures the tiny components of air.

— karen kaplan, latimes.com, "This room was off-limits to smokers, but its air contained surprising amounts of 'thirdhand smoke'," 9 May 2018
During this pass, the spacecraft's magnetometer measured significant changes, as did Galileo's plasma wave spectrometer.

— eric berger, Ars Technica, "Yes, Europa really is sending plumes of water into space," 14 May 2018
Although almost completely paralyzed, Rhyme works with utmost efficiency from the living room of his townhouse, which comes fully equipped with high-tech gadgets, including a very serious gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer.

— marilyn stasio, New York Times, "Solving Crimes the Old-Fashioned Way," 13 Apr. 2018
The orbiter’s main spectrometer, NOMAD, operates in the infrared, ultraviolet and visible parts of the electromagnetic spectrum.

— nisha gaind, Scientific American, "Mars Probe Poised to Solve Red Planet’s Methane Mystery," 26 Apr. 2018
Thanks to a spectrometer aboard the satellite, many of Gaia’s stars can have their chemical compositions examined, which in turn will reveal their age.

— The Economist, "For the first time, astronomers have a reliable map of the heavens," 26 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'spectrometer.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of spectrometer

International Scientific Vocabulary

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1874

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

Medical Dictionary

spectrometer

noun spec·trom·e·ter \ spek-ˈträm-ət-ər \

medical Definition of spectrometer

1 : an instrument used for measuring wavelengths of light spectra

2 : any of various analytical instruments in which an emission (as of particles or radiation) is dispersed according to some property (as mass or energy) of the emission and the amount of dispersion is measured