spectrometer

[ spek-trom-i-ter ]

noun

, Optics.

1. an optical device for measuring wavelengths, deviation of refracted rays, and angles between faces of a prism, especially an instrument prism spectrometer consisting of a slit through which light passes, a collimator, a prism that deviates the light, and a telescope through which the deviated light is viewed and examined.

spectrometer

/ ˌspɛktrəʊˈmɛtrɪk; spɛkˈtrɒmɪtə /

noun

1. any instrument for producing a spectrum, esp one in which wavelength, energy, intensity, etc, can be measured See also mass spectrometer

spectrometer

/ spĕk-trŏm′ĭ-tər /

1. A spectroscope equipped with devices for measuring the frequencies of the radiation observed by it.

Derived Forms

• spectrometric, adjective
• specˈtrometry, noun

Other Words From

• spec·tro·met·ric [spek-tr, uh, -, me, -trik], adjective
• spec·trome·try noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of spectrometer¹

First recorded in 1870–75; spectro- + -meter

Example Sentences

It took 23 measurements with an instrument called an alpha particle X-ray spectrometer.

From BBC

Next, scientists used highly sensitive mass spectrometers and other analytic equipment to test the products for psilocybin and other tryptamines.

From Los Angeles Times

The samples were analyzed through the mass spectrometer, which allowed researchers to rapidly assess -- within two minutes -- whether an IDH mutation was present.

From Science Daily

In order to achieve such levels of accuracy, current testing requires a device called an inductive coupled plasma mass spectrometer.

From Science Daily

The researchers then pulled the fatty acids from the cells and used a machine called a mass spectrometer to identify the ratio of hydrogen atoms within.

From Science Daily