hyperfine structure

[ hahy-per-fahyn, hahy- ]

noun

, Physics.

1. the splitting of the lines of an atomic spectrum, produced by the angular momentum of the nucleus of the atom.

hyperfine structure

/ ˈhaɪpəˌfaɪn /

noun

1. the splitting of a spectral line of an atom or molecule into two or more closely spaced components as a result of interaction of the electrons with the magnetic moments of the nuclei Compare fine structure See also Zeeman effect

Word History and Origins

Origin of hyperfine structure¹

First recorded in 1925–30; hyper- + fine ¹