multiplet

[ muhl-tuh-plet, -plit ]

noun

, Physics.

1. a group of several related spectral lines, usually of nearly the same wavelengths.

multiplet

/ -plɪt; ˈmʌltɪˌplɛt /

noun

1. a set of closely spaced lines in a spectrum, resulting from small differences between the energy levels of atoms or molecules
2. a group of related elementary particles that differ only in electric charge

Word History and Origins

Origin of multiplet¹

First recorded in 1920–25; multi- + (tri)plet

Word History and Origins

Origin of multiplet¹

from multiple ; on the model of doublet