absorption spectrum

noun, Physics.
1.
the spectrum formed by electromagnetic radiation that has passed through a medium in which radiation of certain frequencies is absorbed.
Origin
1875-80
Examples from the web for absorption spectrum
  • The sensor identifies the infrared absorption spectrum of a gas.
  • It has an absorption spectrum that's almost ideal for the sun.
  • Quantum dots fluoresce with a broad absorption spectrum and a narrow emission spectrum.
British Dictionary definitions for absorption spectrum

absorption spectrum

noun
1.
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
absorption spectrum in Medicine

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

absorption spectrum in Science
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.