spectrophotometer: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “spectrophotometer” mean?
An instrument that measures the intensity of light at different wavelengths, used to analyze the concentration of substances in a sample.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An instrument that measures the intensity of light at different wavelengths, used to analyze the concentration of substances in a sample.
A laboratory device that quantifies how much light a chemical substance absorbs by measuring the intensity of light as a beam passes through a sample solution.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Spelling follows national conventions for related terms (e.g., 'colourimetric' vs 'colorimetric' analysis).
Connotations
Identical technical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally rare in general discourse but standard in scientific/technical contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “spectrophotometer” in a Sentence
The spectrophotometer measured [NP] at [NP wavelength]We analysed [NP sample] using [NP spectrophotometer]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “spectrophotometer” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The spectrophotometric analysis confirmed the protein concentration.
- We followed a standard spectrophotometric method.
American English
- Spectrophotometric data were collected at 450 nm.
- The procedure requires spectrophotometric calibration.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in procurement contexts for laboratory equipment.
Academic
Common in chemistry, biochemistry, physics, and environmental science research papers and lab reports.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Standard term in analytical chemistry, quality control labs, medical diagnostics, and industrial process monitoring.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “spectrophotometer”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “spectrophotometer”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “spectrophotometer”
- Misspelling as 'spectraphotometer' or 'spectophotometer'.
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'We will spectrophotometer the sample' is non-standard; use 'analyse with a spectrophotometer').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A spectrophotometer is a type of spectrometer specifically designed to measure intensity of light as a function of wavelength, typically for absorption or transmission measurements. 'Spectrometer' is a broader term for any instrument that measures a spectrum.
Indirectly. It provides precise numerical data about light absorption across wavelengths, which can be used to quantify colour objectively, unlike the human eye's subjective perception.
They are related but not identical. A colorimeter typically uses broad-band filters and measures in specific colour spaces (like RGB), while a spectrophotometer uses a monochromator to measure at many specific, narrow wavelengths, providing more detailed spectral data.
It is ubiquitous in analytical chemistry, biochemistry (e.g., for protein/DNA quantification), pharmaceutical quality control, environmental monitoring (water testing), and materials science.
An instrument that measures the intensity of light at different wavelengths, used to analyze the concentration of substances in a sample.
Spectrophotometer is usually technical/scientific in register.
Spectrophotometer: in British English it is pronounced /ˌspek.trəʊ.fəʊˈtɒm.ɪ.tər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌspek.troʊ.foʊˈtɑː.mə.t̬ɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
SPECTRO (seeing the spectrum) + PHOTO (light) + METER (measurer) = a device that measures light across the spectrum.
Conceptual Metaphor
A light detective that interrogates samples by shining different coloured lights through them.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a spectrophotometer?