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spectrometer

spectrometer

13 7.2
A machine that measures light or separates charged particles to identify substances
  • noun
  • /spɛkˈtrɒmɪtər/
  • Specialized
translation icon : espectrómetro
  • The scientists will use instruments called mass spectrometers to identify the smoke chemicals.
  • mass spectrometer
  • absorption spectrometer
  • fluorescence spectrometer

The X-ray fluorescence spectrometer, that's the next step.

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Examples

  • You'll operate on a robotic GC, an IR spectrometer, UV spectrometer, and a mass spectrometer.

  • We've run the mass spectrometer on all particulates.

  • My spectrometer shows stable hydrogen production.

  • The Gamma Ray Spectrometer will study chemical elements on or near the surface of Mars.

    Academic text (1992)
  • Our tandem accelerator, mass spectrometer is the most powerful and accurate means of radiocarbon dating that has yet to be developed.

  • The triple-axis spectrometer resolves the energy and momentum of both the outgoing and incoming neutron.

    Academic text (1994)
  • According to the most recent spectrometer readings of Comet Dibiasky, made by the astrogeologists at BASH Cellular, we've discovered something.

  • Founded as Extranuclear, it has been manufacturing high-resolution, high-sensitivity quadrupole mass spectrometers since 1964.

    Academic text (1997)
  • The glorious part of the Keck telescope is that there's a massive spectrometer about the size of this room with optics in it serving as a giant prism.

  • The scientists will use a spectrometer to measure the light spectrum emitted by the stars.

Synonyms

spectrograph
vsspectrometer
  • Specialized
4 8.9

A machine that records the different colours of light from something for scientific study

emphasizes measurement and analysis rather than only recording images
mass spectrometer
vsspectrometer
  • Specialized
3 5.5

A machine that measures the masses of charged particles from a sample

is the broader instrument class that also measures light spectra
spectroscope
vsspectrometer
  • Specialized
1 8.4

A tool that splits light into colours for study

focuses more on measuring and analysing spectra beyond simple viewing
spectrophotometer
vsspectrometer
  • Specialized
1 9.9

A machine that measures how much light of different colors a substance absorbs to help know what it is

is more general, not limited to comparing intensities for material analysis
measuring instrument
vsspectrometer
1 3.1

A tool that measures things like size or weight

is a specific scientific tool for spectra or ion mass analysis rather than any measurement
spectroradiometer
vsspectrometer
  • Specialized
9.9

A device that measures how much light there is at each color

covers that measurement but also includes ion separation and other analyses
prism spectroscope
vsspectrometer
  • Specialized
8.8

An instrument that uses a prism to split light into separate colors for study

is not tied to a specific optical element and covers wider methods

Compounds

mass spectrometer
  • Specialized
3 5.5

A machine that measures the masses of charged particles from a sample

How Precise

mass spectrometer
  • Specialized
3 5.5
spectrometer
  • Specialized
13 7.2
spectroradiometer
  • Specialized
9.9
spectrophotometer
  • Specialized
1 9.9
spectroscope
  • Specialized
1 8.4
photometer
  • Specialized
1 8.6

Surface Forms

spectrometer singular
spectrometers plural

Morphology

spectrometer = spectrum (transparent) = spectrum + meter

The word directly means an instrument for measuring a spectrum, so the meaning follows standard English word-building.

Etymology

The word spectrometer comes from the parts spectro- meaning 'to look', as in spectator, and -meter meaning 'measure', as in thermometer. So a spectrometer is a tool that 'looks' at light or tiny particles and 'measures' their different colours or weight, which explains what scientists use it for.