spectrograph

noun

spec·​tro·​graph ˈspek-t(r)ə-ˌgraf 

: an instrument for dispersing radiation (such as electromagnetic radiation or sound waves) into a spectrum and recording or mapping the spectrum

spectrographic

ˌspek-t(r)ə-ˈgra-fik 

adjective

spectrographically

ˌspek-t(r)ə-ˈgra-fi-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

spectrography

spek-ˈträ-grə-fē 

noun

Examples of spectrograph in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For almost a decade now, a dedicated team of Lithuanian astronomers has been trying to answer this conundrum using a state-of-the-art spectrograph at a telescope some 70 km outside Vilnius. —Bruce Dorminey, Forbes, 16 Oct. 2024

Astronomers discern such subtleties by using a spectrograph to split a star’s light into its constituent colors, looking for Doppler shifts in the rainbowlike spectrum. —John Wenz, Scientific American, 4 Oct. 2024

Adorned with high-resolution cameras, spectrographs and magnetometers, the JUICE mission should be more than equipped to shed new light on Ganymede’s past. —Shi En Kim, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 Sep. 2024

Locating the Lyman break requires imaging with with a spectrograph, which can sample the full spectrum of near-infrared light. —Kevin Purdy, Ars Technica, 31 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing spectrograph

• mass spectrograph

Kids Definition

spectrograph

noun

spec·​tro·​graph ˈspek-t(r)ə-ˌgraf 

: an instrument for spreading radiation (as of light or sound) into a spectrum and photographing or mapping the spectrum

Medical Definition

spectrograph

noun

spec·​tro·​graph -ˌgraf 

: an instrument for dispersing radiation (as electromagnetic radiation or sound waves) into a spectrum and photographing or mapping the spectrum

spectrographic

ˌspek-t(r)ə-ˈgraf-ik 

adjective

spectrographically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

spectrography

spek-ˈträg-rə-fē 

noun

plural spectrographies