atomic absorption spectrometer

noun

: a spectrometer that analyzes the absorption spectrum of a sample especially to determine its metallic composition

That screen would test for metals with high atomic mass, such as lead, mercury, and platinum. A device called an atomic absorption spectrometer detects the presence of heavy metals in a patient's urine sample.

—Daniel C. Weaver, Discover, June 1995

Word History

First Known Use

1962, in the meaning defined above

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