spectrometer
n. C1 Advanced US //spɛkˈtɹɑmətɝ// UK //spɛktɹˈɒmɪtɐ// spec·trom·e·ter
n. a machine that measures the different colors of light to find out what chemicals are in a sample. Scientists use it to study things like the air or the stars.
n. an instrument used to measure the spectrum of light or other electromagnetic radiation. It identifies the chemical composition of a substance by analyzing how it interacts with light.
The scientist used a spectrometer to test the water sample.
Astronomers use a high-resolution spectrometer to determine the chemical makeup of distant stars and planets.
From spectro- + -meter.