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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!