absorption spectrum


noun Physics.

the spectrum formed by electromagnetic radiation that has passed through a medium in which radiation of certain frequencies is absorbed.

Origin of absorption spectrum

First recorded in 1875–80

Example sentences from the Web for absorption spectrum

British Dictionary definitions for absorption spectrum

absorption spectrum

noun

the characteristic pattern of dark lines or bands that occurs when electromagnetic radiation is passed through an absorbing medium into a spectroscope. An equivalent pattern occurs as coloured lines or bands in the emission spectrum of that medium

Medical definitions for absorption spectrum

absorption spectrum

n.

The electromagnetic spectrum, broken by a specific pattern of dark lines or bands, observed when radiation traverses a particular absorbing medium.

Scientific definitions for absorption spectrum

absorption spectrum

The range of frequencies of electromagnetic radiation readily absorbed by a substance by virtue of its chemical composition. See more at atomic spectrum.