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

An instrument on a telescope called a spectrograph spreads light out in a way that produces these patterns. —Elizabeth Landau, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 Mar. 2025

The instrument combines an ultraviolet telescope with a high-precision spectrograph. —IEEE Spectrum, 12 Dec. 2013

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

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing spectrograph

• mass spectrograph

Rhymes for spectrograph

• autograph
• biograph
• cenotaph
• chronograph
• epigraph
• epitaph
• hodograph
• holograph
• hydrograph
• lithograph
• micrograph
• monograph

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