spectrometer

noun

spec·​trom·​e·​ter spek-ˈträ-mə-tər How to pronounce spectrometer (audio)
1
: an instrument used for measuring wavelengths of light spectra
2
: any of various analytical instruments in which an emission (as of particles or radiation) is dispersed according to some property (such as mass or energy) of the emission and the amount of dispersion is measured
nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer
spectrometric adjective
spectrometry noun

Examples of spectrometer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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To carry out a thorough investigation, Europa Clipper is outfitted with cameras and spectrometers to capture high-resolution images and create maps of the moon’s surface and thin atmosphere. Ashley Strickland, CNN, 14 Oct. 2024 The spectrometer measures the mass of the individual molecules and generates a spectrum, indicating the chemical composition of the gas. Linda Shiner, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 Aug. 2024 Among them is a mass spectrometer that, during close passes, could characterize particles ejected from the surface by the constant bombardment of tiny, dust-sized meteoroids, or by hypothesized plumes of water vapor. Joel Achenbach, arkansasonline.com, 20 Oct. 2024 The spacecraft is also equipped with several cameras, spectrometers—which measure wavelengths—as well as a magnetometer and radar. Ty Roush, Forbes, 14 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for spectrometer 

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1874, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of spectrometer was in 1874

Dictionary Entries Near spectrometer

Cite this Entry

“Spectrometer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spectrometer. Accessed 16 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

spectrometer

noun
spec·​trom·​e·​ter spek-ˈträm-ət-ər How to pronounce spectrometer (audio)
1
: an instrument for producing a spectrum
2
: an instrument that spreads particles or radiation into an ordered sequence (as by mass or energy)

Medical Definition

spectrometer

noun
spec·​trom·​e·​ter spek-ˈträm-ət-ər How to pronounce spectrometer (audio)
1
: an instrument used for measuring wavelengths of light spectra
2
: any of various analytical instruments in which an emission (as of particles or radiation) is dispersed according to some property (as mass or energy) of the emission and the amount of dispersion is measured
nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer
spectrometric adjective
spectrometry noun
plural spectrometries

More from Merriam-Webster on spectrometer

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