spectroscopy

American  

[spek-tros-kuh-pee, spek-truh-skoh-pee] / spɛkˈtrɒs kə pi, ˈspɛk trəˌskoʊ pi /

noun

1. the science that deals with the use of the spectroscope and with spectrum analysis.

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spectroscopy British  

/ spɛkˈtrɒskəpɪ /

noun

1. the science and practice of using spectrometers and spectroscopes and of analysing spectra, the methods employed depending on the radiation being examined. The techniques are widely used in chemical analysis and in studies of the properties of atoms, molecules, ions, etc

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spectroscopy Scientific  

/ spĕk-trŏs′kə-pē /

1. The analysis of spectra, especially light or mass spectra, to determine properties of their source.

2. ◆ In light or optical spectroscopy, the spectrum of a light source is analyzed through a spectroscope to determine atomic composition of a substance. In astronomy, phenomena such as red shift can also be analyzed.

3. ◆ In mass spectroscopy, a spectroscope is used to determine the composition of ions or charged molecules in a sample. Spectroscopy is also called spectrography.

4. See also atomic spectrum spectroscope

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spectroscopy Cultural  

1. The branch of science devoted to discovering the chemical composition of materials by looking at the light (and other kinds of electromagnetic radiation) they emit. Scientists use spectroscopy to determine the nature of distant stars and galaxies as well as to identify and monitor the production of products in factories.

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Other Word Forms

• spectroscopist
  noun

Etymology

Origin of spectroscopy

First recorded in 1865–70; spectro- + -scopy

Example Sentences

Mitman is a co-author of the study examining this signal, titled "Black Hole Spectroscopy and Tests of General Relativity with GW250114," which was published in Physical Review Letters on Jan. 29.

From Science Daily • Feb. 1, 2026

The information measured by fMRI machines — blood oxygenation levels, which indicate where blood is flowing in the brain — can also be measured with another technology, functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy, or fNIRS.

From Salon • Jan. 18, 2024

Thirteen minutes after the launch, the rocket put into orbit around Earth a satellite called the X-Ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission, or XRISM, which will measure the speed and makeup of what lies between galaxies.

From Washington Times • Sep. 7, 2023

The rocket will put into orbit around Earth a satellite called the X-Ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission, or XRISM, which will measure the speed and makeup of what lies between galaxies.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 6, 2023

He was the founder of a new branch of astronomy, Stellar Spectroscopy, and Secchi's types of solar spectra will probably ever remain an essential illustration in astronomical text-books.

From The Popes and Science The History of the Papal Relations to Science During the Middle Ages and Down to Our Own Time by Walsh, James J.