Search Dictionary
Definition of spectroscope

spectroscope

/ˈspɛk.trəˌskoʊp/
spec · tro · scope
Adverb:spectroscopically
•
Plural:spectroscopes
•
Adjective:spectroscopic
JUMP TO:

spectroscope Lexical Profile

spectroscope Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

An optical instrument used for dispersing light into a spectrum for visual observation and analysis, commonly used in physics and astronomy to determine the chemical composition of light sources.

Example

"By attaching a spectroscope to the telescope, the astronomer was able to analyze the elemental composition of the distant star."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for spectroscope

• Rhymes for spectroscope

• Nearby Words

specter
spectral
spectrometer
spectroscope
spectrum
speculate
speculation

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the 1860s, combining the Latin word 'spectrum' (appearance, image) with the Greek-derived suffix '-scope' (from 'skopein', meaning to look at or examine).

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Spectroscope. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/spectroscope
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.