Spectrometer: meaning, definitions and examples

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spectrometer

 

[ spɛktəˌrɒmətər ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

scientific instrument

A spectrometer is an instrument that measures the properties of light over a specific portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. It is used to analyze the composition of materials by determining the wavelengths of light they emit, absorb, or scatter.

Synonyms

analyzer, detector, spectrophotometer

Examples of usage

  • The spectrometer detected the presence of various gases in the atmosphere.
  • Researchers used the spectrometer to identify different minerals in the sample.
  • The new spectrometer features enhanced sensitivity for biomedical applications.

Translations

Translations of the word "spectrometer" in other languages:

🇵🇹 espectrómetro

🇮🇳 स्पेक्ट्रोमीटर

🇩🇪 Spektrometer

🇮🇩 spektrometer

🇺🇦 спектрометр

🇵🇱 spektrometr

🇯🇵 スペクトロメーター

🇫🇷 spectromètre

🇪🇸 espectrómetro

🇹🇷 spektrum ölçer

🇰🇷 스펙트로미터

🇸🇦 مقياس الطيف

🇨🇿 spektrometr

🇸🇰 spektrometer

🇨🇳 光谱仪

🇸🇮 spektrometer

🇮🇸 spektrometer

🇰🇿 спектрометр

🇬🇪 სპექტრომეტრი

🇦🇿 spektrometr

🇲🇽 espectrómetro

Etymology

The term 'spectrometer' derives from the Latin word 'spectrum', meaning 'appearance' or 'image', and the Greek word 'metron', meaning 'measure'. The concept of analyzing light through spectral components dates back to the early 19th century with scientists like Joseph von Fraunhofer, who conducted pioneering work in spectroscopy. The first modern spectrometer was designed in the 1860s, significantly advancing the fields of chemistry and physics by allowing for precise measurement of light wavelengths. Over the years, the design and functionality of spectrometers have evolved, leading to various types of spectrometers, including mass spectrometers and optical spectrometers, each tailored to specific applications.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,581, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.