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
The study's researchers gathered data by combining aerial infrared spectroscopy from the six regions – taken by flying planes over huge areas and reflecting sunlight to rapidly detect the largest emissions – with simulated field measurements from potential sources of methane emissions.
—
Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 19 Mar. 2024
The applications terahertz is actually being used for include longtime staples such as molecular line spectroscopy in astrophysics, earth science, and planet science to study quantum effects including anything researchers want to know about molecular motion and how molecules interact.
—IEEE Spectrum, 7 Mar. 2024
The question remains as to whether NMR spectroscopy is a blessing or a curse for gin distilleries.
—Eve Thomas, WIRED, 3 Apr. 2024
Researchers were eventually able to use functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), which measures the activity of neurons in the outer layers of the cortex.
—Quanta Magazine, 28 Mar. 2024
Today spectroscopy is the bedrock of modern astronomy.
—Paul M. Sutter, Scientific American, 15 Feb. 2024
Within two seconds, the device can identify any residual contaminant on the hands and wrist using light fluorescence spectroscopy, an imaging technology already used in healthcare that utilizes safe non-UV LED lights.
—Parija Kavilanz, CNN, 8 Mar. 2024
Janssen’s Eclipse By the mid-1800s chemists, physicists and astronomers alike were aflutter over the newfound technique of spectroscopy, in which splitting light into a rainbowlike spectrum of its constituent colors could reveal a source’s elemental composition.
—Paul M. Sutter, Scientific American, 15 Feb. 2024
Today: Archaeologists relied on chemical clues and techniques like FTIR spectroscopy and archaeomagnetic analysis to reconstruct the burning of Jerusalem by Babylonian forces around 586 BCE.
—Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 31 Dec. 2023
Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 19 Mar. 2024
The applications terahertz is actually being used for include longtime staples such as molecular line spectroscopy in astrophysics, earth science, and planet science to study quantum effects including anything researchers want to know about molecular motion and how molecules interact.
—IEEE Spectrum, 7 Mar. 2024
The question remains as to whether NMR spectroscopy is a blessing or a curse for gin distilleries.
—Eve Thomas, WIRED, 3 Apr. 2024
Researchers were eventually able to use functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), which measures the activity of neurons in the outer layers of the cortex.
—Quanta Magazine, 28 Mar. 2024
Today spectroscopy is the bedrock of modern astronomy.
—Paul M. Sutter, Scientific American, 15 Feb. 2024
Within two seconds, the device can identify any residual contaminant on the hands and wrist using light fluorescence spectroscopy, an imaging technology already used in healthcare that utilizes safe non-UV LED lights.
—Parija Kavilanz, CNN, 8 Mar. 2024
Janssen’s Eclipse By the mid-1800s chemists, physicists and astronomers alike were aflutter over the newfound technique of spectroscopy, in which splitting light into a rainbowlike spectrum of its constituent colors could reveal a source’s elemental composition.
—Paul M. Sutter, Scientific American, 15 Feb. 2024
Today: Archaeologists relied on chemical clues and techniques like FTIR spectroscopy and archaeomagnetic analysis to reconstruct the burning of Jerusalem by Babylonian forces around 586 BCE.
—Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 31 Dec. 2023
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'spectroscopy.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near spectroscopy
Cite this Entry
“Spectroscopy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spectroscopy. Accessed 25 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical 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)
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share