spectrophotometer
spek-troh-fuh-TOM-uh-ter
/ˌspek.troʊ.fəˈtɑː.mɪ.tər/
An instrument that measures the intensity of light in a spectrum as a function of wavelength, used to determine chemical concentration.
Combines spectrophotometry (light breakdown) with quantitative photometer intensity measurement.
The story behind the word. Constructed in the 1930s by combining three classical roots: spectrum (from Latin specere, to look), photo (Greek for light), and meter (Greek for measure). Arnold Beckman commercialized the iconic modern DU spectrophotometer in 1941.
Word relationships
- spectrometer: A spectrometer measures light wavelengths; a spectrophotometer specifically measures relative light intensity absorbed or transmitted.
Commonly confused with
- spectroscope: A spectroscope allows visual observation of a spectrum; a spectrophotometer measures light intensity numerically.
Word family
- spectrophotometry (noun): The quantitative study of light absorption across wavelengths.
- spectrophotometric (adjective): Relating to measurement with a spectrophotometer.
Collocations
- UV-Vis spectrophotometer
- spectrophotometer reading
- calibrate the spectrophotometer
- absorbance spectrum
Example sentences
- "The spectrophotometer recorded a sharp absorption peak at five hundred nanometers, confirming protein concentration." Biochemistry Laboratory
- "By passing light through the cuvette, the spectrophotometer calculates sample purity in seconds." Analytical Testing
Memory hook
SPECTRUM + PHOTO (light) + METER = measures light across the spectrum. Instrument measuring light absorption.
When not to use
Do not use for simple optical magnifying tools like microscopes or telescopes.
Fun facts
- The Beckman DU spectrophotometer invented in 1941 was called 'the Model T of laboratory instruments' because it revolutionized chemical analysis during WWII.
Explore more words
spectrometer, spectrum, titration, prism, chlorophyll, salinity
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