spectrograph

noun

spec·​tro·​graph ˈspek-t(r)ə-ˌgraf How to pronounce spectrograph (audio)
: an instrument for dispersing radiation (such as electromagnetic radiation or sound waves) into a spectrum and recording or mapping the spectrum
spectrographic adjective
spectrographically adverb
spectrography noun

Examples of spectrograph 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.
The spectrograph breaks down far-ultraviolet light emitted by a material into its component wavelengths, similar to what a prism does with visible light, creating a spectrum that scientists can analyze. Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 28 Apr. 2025 During one exceptional spacewalk repair on STS-125, Michael Massimino and Michael Good had to rip a stuck handrail off Hubble by hand in order to repair a broken spectrograph, which itself was unprecedented. Tariq Malik, Space.com, 25 Apr. 2025 Locating the Lyman break requires imaging with a spectrograph, which can sample the full spectrum of near-infrared light. John Timmer, Ars Technica, 31 July 2024 The first planet was detected using a 27-foot diameter telescope at the European Space Observatory’s Paranal Observatory in Chile and a spectrograph that could quickly detect changes in the star's velocity, according to the 2024 paper, published in the journal Astronomy & Astrophysics. Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 18 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for spectrograph

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of spectrograph was in 1884

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Cite this Entry

“Spectrograph.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spectrograph. Accessed 8 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

spectrograph

noun
spec·​tro·​graph ˈspek-t(r)ə-ˌgraf How to pronounce spectrograph (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce spectrograph (audio)
: an instrument for dispersing radiation (as electromagnetic radiation or sound waves) into a spectrum and photographing or mapping the spectrum
spectrographic adjective
spectrographically adverb
spectrography noun
plural spectrographies

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