hyperfine structure

American  

[hahy-per-fahyn, hahy-] / ˈhaɪ pərˈfaɪn, ˌhaɪ- /

noun

Physics.

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

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hyperfine structure British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of hyperfine structure

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