spectrograph

noun

spec·​tro·​graph ˈspek-t(r)ə-ˌgraf How to pronounce spectrograph (audio)
: an instrument for dispersing radiation (such as electromagnetic radiation or sound waves) into a spectrum and recording or mapping the spectrum
spectrographic
ˌspek-t(r)ə-ˈgra-fik How to pronounce spectrograph (audio)
adjective
spectrographically
ˌspek-t(r)ə-ˈgra-fi-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce spectrograph (audio)
adverb
spectrography
spek-ˈträ-grə-fē How to pronounce spectrograph (audio)
noun

Examples of spectrograph in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The nebula’s colors appear vivid because of a filter in the spectrograph that allows specific wavelengths of light to pass through, corresponding to specific types of gas. — Avni Trivedi, CNN Money, 8 June 2026 To test that assumption, the research team used the JWST's powerful infrared spectrographs to analyze the chemical makeup of the planets' atmospheres. — Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 10 Feb. 2026 Sensitive equipment and historical artifacts — including the Mills spectrograph used in the observatory’s early days to measure the colors of light emitted by stars and galaxies — were wheeled out as rain blew inside and winds swirled through the opening. — Ethan Baron, Mercury News, 31 Dec. 2025 The private space observatory’s advanced instruments will include a wide-field optical imager, an integral field spectrograph, and a high-contrast coronagraph optimized for direct imaging of exoplanets. — Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 14 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for spectrograph

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of spectrograph was in 1884

Phrases Containing spectrograph

Rhymes for spectrograph

See All Rhymes for spectrograph

Browse Nearby Words

spectrogram
spectrograph
spectrographer
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spectrograph.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spectrograph. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

spectrograph

noun
spec·​tro·​graph ˈspek-t(r)ə-ˌgraf How to pronounce spectrograph (audio)
: an instrument for spreading radiation (as of light or sound) into a spectrum and photographing or mapping the spectrum

Medical Definition

spectrograph

noun
spec·​tro·​graph -ˌgraf How to pronounce spectrograph (audio)
: an instrument for dispersing radiation (as electromagnetic radiation or sound waves) into a spectrum and photographing or mapping the spectrum
spectrographic
ˌspek-t(r)ə-ˈgraf-ik How to pronounce spectrograph (audio)
adjective
spectrographically
-i-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce spectrograph (audio)
adverb
spectrography
spek-ˈträg-rə-fē How to pronounce spectrograph (audio)
noun
plural spectrographies

More from Merriam-Webster on spectrograph

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about spectrograph

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