spectrometer

American  

[spek-trom-i-ter] / spɛkˈtrɒm ɪ tər /

noun

Optics.

1. an optical device for measuring wavelengths, deviation of refracted rays, and angles between faces of a prism, especially an instrument prism spectrometer consisting of a slit through which light passes, a collimator, a prism that deviates the light, and a telescope through which the deviated light is viewed and examined.

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spectrometer British  

/ spɛkˈtrɒmɪtə /

noun

1. any instrument for producing a spectrum, esp one in which wavelength, energy, intensity, etc, can be measured See also mass spectrometer

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spectrometer Scientific  

/ spĕk-trŏm′ĭ-tər /

1. A spectroscope equipped with devices for measuring the frequencies of the radiation observed by it.

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Other Word Forms

• spectrometry
  noun
• spectrometric
  adjective

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Etymology

Origin of spectrometer

First recorded in 1870–75; spectro- + -meter

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Compare meaning

How does spectrometer compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• spectrometer vs. spectrophotometer

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

spectrometer

As photonic technology becomes smaller and more advanced, the convolutional spectrometer provides a promising example of how mathematical insights and practical engineering can make sophisticated scientific instruments simpler, cheaper, and more accessible.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 23, 2026

Known as a convolutional spectrometer, it uses a mathematical principle called the convolution theorem to analyze light in a fundamentally different way.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 23, 2026

They have now reached that target with the help of improved pumice samples, a more advanced mass spectrometer and updated neutron irradiation methods.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 30, 2026

The gamma-ray and neutron spectrometer received an important test during the flyby.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 28, 2026

From the Coldwater site and another site, named Timberline, directly on the mountain, Johnston peered through a big, boxy instrument called a correlation spectrometer.

From "Mountain of Fire" by Rebecca E. F. Barone

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