# spectrometry

/spɛkˈtɹɑmətɹi/ (US) · /spɛktɹˈɒmətɹi/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/spectrometry
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

a scientific method used to identify the chemical elements in a substance by looking at the light it gives off or absorbs. It helps scientists see what is inside a material without changing it.

For teachers: the branch of analytical chemistry that involves the interaction of electromagnetic radiation with matter. It is used to determine the composition of substances based on the wavelengths of light they emit or absorb.

## Examples

- The lab uses spectrometry to test the water for chemicals.
- Advanced spectrometry allows astronomers to identify the presence of specific gases in the atmosphere of distant planets.
- By employing high-resolution mass spectrometry, researchers were able to detect trace amounts of rare isotopes that had previously been undetectable in the sample.

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