spectroscope

[ spek-truh-skohp ]

noun

, Optics.

1. an optical device for producing and observing a spectrum of light or radiation from any source, consisting essentially of a slit through which the radiation passes, a collimating lens, and an Amici prism.

spectroscope

/ ˌspɛktrəˈskɒpɪk; ˈspɛktrəˌskəʊp /

noun

1. any of a number of instruments for dispersing electromagnetic radiation and thus forming or recording a spectrum See also spectrometer

spectroscope

/ spĕk′trə-skōp′ /

1. Any of various instruments used to analyze the component parts of a sample by separating its parts into a spectrum.
2. ◆ In a light spectroscope , light is focused into a thin beam of parallel rays by a lens, and then passed through a prism or diffraction grating that separates the light into a frequency spectrum. The intensity of light at different frequencies in the spectrum can be analyzed to determine certain properties of the source of the light, such as its chemical composition or how quickly it is moving.
3. ◆ In a mass spectroscope , sample ions are beamed through an electric or magnetic field that deflects the ions; the amount of deflection depends on the ratio of their mass to their electric charge. The ion beam is thus split into separate bands; the collection of bands is called the mass spectrum of the sample, and can be analyzed to determine the distribution of ions in the sample. Spectroscopes are also called spectrographs.

Derived Forms

• ˌspectroˈscopically, adverb
• spectroscopic, adjective

Other Words From

• spec·tro·scop·ic [spek-tr, uh, -, skop, -ik], spectro·scopi·cal adjective
• spectro·scopi·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of spectroscope¹

First recorded in 1860–65; spectro- + -scope

Word History and Origins

Origin of spectroscope¹

C19: from spectro- + -scope ; from French, or on the model of German Spektroskop

Example Sentences

It remains unknown if the probe and its spectroscope will survive the severe cold night temperatures and be able to “wake up” once sunlight returns.

From Seattle Times

The rover’s laser-induced spectroscope instrument also detected aluminum, iron, calcium, chromium, titanium, manganese, oxygen and silicon on the surface, it said.

From Seattle Times

The rover’s laser-induced spectroscope instrument also detected aluminum, iron, calcium, chromium, titanium, manganese, oxygen and silicon on the lunar surface, the Indian Space Research Organization, or ISRO, said in a post on its website.

From Seattle Times

Thus far the telescope, bristling with cameras, spectroscopes and other instruments, is exceeding expectations.

From New York Times

Portable infrared spectroscopes will soon be capable of tracking multiple chemical signatures in soil, including carbon, for less than $1 per sample.

From Nature