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absorption spectrum
noun
: an electromagnetic spectrum in which a decrease in intensity of radiation at specific wavelengths or ranges of wavelengths characteristic of an absorbing substance is manifested especially as a pattern of dark lines or bands
Examples of absorption spectrum in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Robin Wordsworth, a climate scientist at Harvard University, turned to quantum mechanics to understand carbon dioxide’s absorption spectrum.
—Joseph Howlett, WIRED, 25 Aug. 2024
The team used density functional theory to predict what the absorption spectrum of the material should look like and found that the perovskites produced using this process closely matched the prediction.
—John Timmer, Ars Technica, 2 Aug. 2024
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Word History
First Known Use
1833, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of absorption spectrum was
in 1833
Dictionary Entries Near absorption spectrum
Cite this Entry
“Absorption spectrum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/absorption%20spectrum. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.
Medical Definition
absorption spectrum
noun
: an electromagnetic spectrum in which a decrease in intensity of radiation at specific wavelengths or ranges of wavelengths characteristic of an absorbing substance (as chlorophyll) is manifested especially as a pattern of dark lines or bands compare emission spectrum
More from Merriam-Webster on absorption spectrum
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about absorption spectrum
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