spectroscopy

noun

spec·​tros·​co·​py spek-ˈträ-skə-pē How to pronounce spectroscopy (audio)
1
: the process or technique of using a spectroscope or spectrometer
2
: the production and investigation of spectra

Examples of spectroscopy 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.
MinTech’s diagnostic technology is based on electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, or EIS, along with proprietary diagnostic algorithms. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 26 Aug. 2026 The team investigated the mechanism using in-situ Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and density functional theory calculations. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 26 Aug. 2026 Reflectance imaging spectroscopy was then used to measure how the materials interact with light. — Anthony Solorzano, Los Angeles Times, 18 Aug. 2026 Tunable diode laser spectroscopy brought high selectivity and fast response for online gas analysis. — Gregory Shahnovsky, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for spectroscopy

Word History

First Known Use

1869, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of spectroscopy was in 1869

Phrases Containing spectroscopy

Rhymes for spectroscopy

See All Rhymes for spectroscopy

Browse Nearby Words

spectroscopic parallax
spectroscopy
spectrous
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spectroscopy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spectroscopy. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Medical Definition

spectroscopy

noun
spec·​tros·​co·​py spek-ˈträs-kə-pē How to pronounce spectroscopy (audio)
plural spectroscopies
1
a
: the production and investigation of spectra
b
: the process or technique of using a spectroscope or spectrometer
2
: physics that deals with the theory and interpretation of interactions between matter and radiation (as electromagnetic radiation)

More from Merriam-Webster on spectroscopy

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about spectroscopy

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!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
skateboard-dog-hat
Wordmaxxing Slang Quiz Give your vocabulary a glow up by getting sendy w...
See All