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

Tunable diode laser spectroscopy brought high selectivity and fast response for online gas analysis. — Gregory Shahnovsky, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Under cryogenic conditions, the researchers used magneto-optical spectroscopy to cool the device down to temperatures near absolute zero and measured how the electron and hole components responded to small magnetic fields. — Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 5 Aug. 2026

The authors combined osteological analysis with X-ray imaging and relied on FTIR spectroscopy to analyze the embalming materials. — ArsTechnica, 3 Aug. 2026

While that sounds much more intuitive, a technique called X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy reveals that what’s on the surface might not be the whole story. — Margherita Bassi, Popular Science, 11 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1869, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing spectroscopy

• Auger electron spectroscopy

Rhymes for spectroscopy

• arthroscopy
• 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)