Definition

A scientist who studies the interaction between light and matter using a technique called spectroscopy.

Example

The spectroscopist analyzed the light spectrum to identify the chemical composition of the sample.

Conversation

Did you know that my cousin is a spectroscopist?

Really? That sounds interesting! What does he do?

He analyzes light to figure out what different materials are made of.

Wow, that's pretty cool! I never knew that kind of job existed.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Spectroscopist → It is formed from "spectrum" (from Latin *spectrum*, meaning appearance or image) and "-scopist" (from Greek *skopein*, meaning to look or examine). A spectroscopist is someone who examines or looks at the spectrum of light or other electromagnetic radiation.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'spectrum' as an 'appearance' of light that a 'scopist' examines — that's why a spectroscopist studies light spectra.

Visually Confused Words