spectrometer

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

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

—

spectrometry

play \spek-ˈträ-mə-trē\ noun

See spectrometer defined for kids

Recent Examples of spectrometer from the Web

In 2000, researchers identified proteins in fossils using a type of mass spectrometer that, unlike earlier methods, left amino acid sequences more intact and readable.

— gemma tarlach, Discover Magazine, "Proteomics: Moving Beyond DNA to Study the Past," 15 Aug. 2017
The lines of color seen on a spectrometer can also be used to measure temperature.

— kenneth chang, New York Times, "The Illuminating Power of Eclipses," 14 Aug. 2017
While the videographers are at work, Zurbuchen will be operating a handheld spectrometer to analyze the sun’s chromosphere and corona — the wispy, outer atmosphere that is only visible during a total eclipse.

— sandi doughton, The Seattle Times, "NASA research plane will fly from Seattle for eclipse mission," 11 Aug. 2017
In the 19th century, eclipse observations got even more interesting, thanks in large part to advances in scientific instruments like telescopes and spectrometers, devices that let scientists analyze the chemistry of stars and distant planets.

— amy shira teitel, Time, "What Solar Eclipses Have Taught Us About the Universe," 9 Aug. 2017
The data came from the Moon Mineralogy Mapper, a NASA spectrometer that flew aboard India’s first lunar mission in 2008.

— marina koren, The Atlantic, "Uncovering the Moon’s Hidden Water," 25 July 2017
The electrons move into a large spectrometer, which, in concert witha detector, measures their energies with exquisite precision.

— adrian cho, Science | AAAS, "Weighing the universe's most elusive particle," 29 June 2017
The ChemCam can then use a powerful instrument called a laser spectrometer that uses light to find out what a target is made of.

— jesse emspak space.com contributor, Fox News, "Curiosity Mars Rover is now using artificial intelligence to pick its own targets," 29 June 2017
Last October, physicists fired electrons from an electron gun through the spectrometer.

— adrian cho, Science | AAAS, "Weighing the universe's most elusive particle," 29 June 2017

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

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Medical Dictionary

spectrometer

play

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

nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer

—

spectrometric

play \ˌspek-trə-ˈme-trik\ adjective

—

spectrometry

play \spek-ˈträm-ə-trē\ noun plural spectrometries

Learn More about spectrometer

See words that rhyme with spectrometer Nglish: Translation of spectrometer for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about spectrometer

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spectrometer

Definition of spectrometer

spectrometric

spectrometry

Recent Examples of spectrometer from the Web

Origin and Etymology of spectrometer

Medical Dictionary

spectrometer

medical Definition of spectrometer

spectrometric

spectrometry

Learn More about spectrometer

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spectrometer

Definition of spectrometer

spectrometric

spectrometry

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Origin and Etymology of spectrometer

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spectrometer

medical Definition of spectrometer

spectrometric

spectrometry

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