spectroscopy

noun

spec·​tros·​co·​py spek-ˈträ-skə-pē 

1

: the process or technique of using a spectroscope or spectrometer

2

: the production and investigation of spectra

Examples of spectroscopy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

So, more advanced and expensive technology, such as infrared spectroscopy, is often required to separate those two materials. —Alex Jordan, The Conversation, 16 Apr. 2025

Apple has reportedly been developing a silicon photonics chip that uses optical absorption spectroscopy to shine light from a laser under the skin to determine the concentration of glucose in the body. —Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025

In addition to multispectral imaging, the researchers also used X-ray fluorescence, which surveys elemental composition, and fiber-optic reflectance spectroscopy, which analyzes pigments. —Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 Mar. 2025

The team measured the number of microplastic particles in each sample by staining the particles red and counting them under a microscope, studying their chemical composition using a technique known as Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. —Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 25 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1869, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing spectroscopy

• Auger electron spectroscopy

Rhymes for spectroscopy

• arthroscopy
• colposcopy
• cystoscopy
• fluoroscopy
• colonoscopy
• laparoscopy

Medical Definition

spectroscopy

noun

spec·​tros·​co·​py spek-ˈträs-kə-pē 

plural spectroscopies

1

a

: the production and investigation of spectra

b

: the process or technique of using a spectroscope or spectrometer

2

: physics that deals with the theory and interpretation of interactions between matter and radiation (as electromagnetic radiation)