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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In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

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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

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
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
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
This fine structure is a railroad and wagon bridge and affords all necessary facilities for the movement of military stores.
Ocean to Ocean on Horseback|Willard Glazier

In one flash there had been overthrown the fine structure which he had built about her in his thoughts.
The Snow-Burner|Henry Oyen
It was a very fine structure, carved in Chinese fashion, and of great architectural beauty.
Empires and Emperors of Russia, China, Korea, and Japan|Pter Vay
It is a fine structure in the p. 68perpendicular style, and is one of the handsomest old churches in the city.
A Comprehensive History of Norwich|A. D. Bayne
The church is a fine structure of great antiquity, in the perpendicular style.
A Comprehensive History of Norwich|A. D. Bayne

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