hyperfine structure

[ hahy-per-fahyn, hahy- ]
/ ˈhaɪ pərˈfaɪn, ˌhaɪ- /

noun Physics.

the splitting of the lines of an atomic spectrum, produced by the angular momentum of the nucleus of the atom.
Compare fine structure.

Origin of hyperfine structure

First recorded in 1925–30; hyper- + fine1

Words nearby hyperfine structure

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British Dictionary definitions for hyperfine structure

hyperfine structure
/ (ˈhaɪpəˌfaɪn) /

noun

the splitting of a spectral line of an atom or molecule into two or more closely spaced components as a result of interaction of the electrons with the magnetic moments of the nuclei Compare fine structure See also Zeeman effect