multiplet

American  

[muhl-tuh-plet, -plit] / ˈmʌl təˌplɛt, -plɪt /

noun

Physics.

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

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multiplet British  

/ -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

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Etymology

Origin of multiplet

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