fine structure

[ fahyn ]

/ faɪn /

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noun Physics.

a group of lines that are observed in the spectra of certain elements, as hydrogen, and that are caused by various couplings of the azimuthal quantum number and the angular momentum quantum number.

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Compare hyperfine structure.

Origin of fine structure

First recorded in 1915–20

Words nearby fine structure

fines herbes, finespun, finesse, finest, finestra, fine structure, fine-tooth comb, fine-tune, finfish, finfoot, fin-footed

How to use fine structure in a sentence

Physicists in England at University College London measured what’s known as the fine structure of these atoms.
The exotic ‘atom’ positronium surprises scientists|Emily Conover|September 23, 2020|Science News For Students
The fine structure is the separation between two specific energy levels in the atom.
The exotic ‘atom’ positronium surprises scientists|Emily Conover|September 23, 2020|Science News For Students
A team of physicists from University College London measured the separation between two specific energy levels of positronium, what’s known as its fine structure.
A measurement of positronium’s energy levels confounds scientists|Emily Conover|August 24, 2020|Science News
As this list shows, punishments typically run to a short-ish jail sentence and/or a moderately hefty fine.
In Defense of Blasphemy|Michael Tomasky|January 9, 2015|DAILY BEAST

In front of this strange structure are two blank-faced, well-dressed models showing off the latest in European minimalism.
New York’s Most Tragic Ghost Loves Minimalist Swedish Fashion|Nina Strochlic|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST
One blames black Americans as a race; the other, racism as a social structure.
No Gods, No Cops, No Masters|James Poulos|January 1, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Hey, whatever keeps those lecherous freaks from sexually assaulting humans is fine by us.
Zebra Finches, Dolphins, Elephants, and More Animals Under the Influence|Bill Schulz|December 31, 2014|DAILY BEAST
There are instances in which private rehoming works out fine and is the best solution for the struggling family and the children.
Judge: Rehoming Kids Is Trafficking|Tina Traster|December 30, 2014|DAILY BEAST
A small book, bound in full purple calf, lay half hidden in a nest of fine tissue paper on the dressing-table.
Hilda Lessways|Arnold Bennett
A flash of surprise and pleasure lit the fine eyes of the haughty beauty perched up there on the palace wall.
The Red Year|Louis Tracy
Give a sweet savour, and a memorial of fine flour, and make a fat offering, and then give place to the physician.
The Bible, Douay-Rheims Version|Various
His strong legs and his broad, spade-like feet helped to make him a fine swimmer.
The Tale of Grandfather Mole|Arthur Scott Bailey
When the days were fine, Jean in his basket assisted at the dramatic performance in the market-place.
The Joyous Adventures of Aristide Pujol|William J. Locke

British Dictionary definitions for fine structure

fine structure

noun

the splitting of a spectral line into two or more closely spaced components as a result of interaction between the spin and orbital angular momenta of the atomic electronsCompare hyperfine structure

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012