spectroscope: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

Historically, a 'spectroscope' was an optical instrument for visual observation of a spectrum. A 'spectrometer' includes a measuring device (a 'meter') for quantifying the spectrum. In modern usage, 'spectrometer' is more common and the terms are often used interchangeably for instruments that produce quantitative data.

While early work was done by many, the first practical spectroscope is generally credited to Robert Bunsen and Gustav Kirchhoff in the 1850s-1860s. They used it to discover new elements like caesium and rubidium.

No. A prism is a simple optical component that can disperse light. A spectroscope is a complete instrument that typically contains one or more prisms (or a diffraction grating) along with slits, lenses, and an eyepiece or detector to view and analyse the resulting spectrum.

Conceptually, yes. While traditional spectroscopes are for visible light, the principle extends to other parts of the electromagnetic spectrum (e.g., infrared, X-ray). The term is also used by analogy for instruments that separate other types of radiation or particles by a property (e.g., mass spectrometer).

An optical instrument used for splitting light (or other electromagnetic radiation) into its component wavelengths or frequencies, producing a spectrum for analysis.

Spectroscope is usually technical / scientific in register.

Spectroscope: in British English it is pronounced /ˈspɛktrəskəʊp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈspɛktrəskoʊp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.