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

Advanced spectroscopy and simulations revealed why. —Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 4 Nov. 2025

To detect them, Morton's team used spectroscopy, a technique that measures how hot gas moves toward or away from Earth. —Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 4 Nov. 2025

By aiding mariners, Airy believed, such measurements provided a tangible service to the state that the newfangled spectroscopy might not be able to match. —Literary Hub, 27 Oct. 2025

Even the fluorescence from tiny ruby crystals helped measure the pressure, while Raman spectroscopy revealed how the water molecules were dancing inside. —Pranjal Malewar, New Atlas, 26 Oct. 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)