emission spectrum

noun

, Physics.

1. the spectrum formed by electromagnetic radiations emitted by a given source, characteristic of the source and the type of excitation inducing the radiations.

emission spectrum

noun

1. the continuous spectrum or pattern of bright lines or bands seen when the electromagnetic radiation emitted by a substance is passed into a spectrometer. The spectrum is characteristic of the emitting substance and the type of excitation to which it is subjected Compare absorption spectrum

emission spectrum

1. The distribution of electromagnetic radiation released by a substance whose atoms have been excited by heat or radiation. A spectroscope can be used to determine which frequencies have been emitted by a substance. The emission spectrum is a combination of the atomic spectra of the various kinds of atoms making up the substance and can be analyzed to determine the substance's chemical or atomic composition.
2. See more at atomic spectrum

Word History and Origins

Origin of emission spectrum¹

First recorded in 1885–90