line spectrum

noun

Physics.

1. an electromagnetic spectrum consisting of discrete lines, usually characteristic of excited atoms or molecules.

line spectrum

1. An image of colored lines or bands of light formed in optical spectroscopy, each line representing one of the frequencies in the spectrum of a light source. The light source is usually broken into individual bands by a prism or a diffraction grating.

Word History and Origins

Origin of line spectrum¹

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

This effect is perhaps best witnessed on viewing a line spectrum such as that of the mercury arc, focused upon a ground glass.

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The positive rays show, when the pressure is not very low, the line spectrum of the gas through which they pass.

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It follows that a purely gaseous body, such as would emit a characteristic bright line spectrum, would not be subject to the repulsion.

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This nebula gives a bright line spectrum indicative of gaseous composition.

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The alumina filtered off, ignited, and tested in a radiant matter tube gave as good a crimson line spectrum as did that from the original sulphate.

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