Where does “spectroscopy” come from?
Spectroscopy derives from English spectrum, from Ancient Greek σκοπός meaning "watcher," ultimately from Proto-Indo-European speḱ- meaning "to observe," combined with the instrumental suffix -trom.
spectroscopy (English): The scientific study of spectra; The use of...
Definitions
- The scientific study of spectra; The use of...
Ancestry of “spectroscopy”, step by step
| Step | Language | Word | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | English | spectro- | optical spectra |
| 2 | English | Spectrum | A range; a continuous, infinite, one-dimensional set, possibly bounded by extremes |
| 3 | Latin | spectrum | appearance, image; apparition, specter |
| 4 | Ancient Greek | σκοπέω | I look, look at, behold; I examine, inspect; 413... |
| 5 | Ancient Greek | σκοπός | watcher, lookout; protector, guardian; spy, scout |
| 6 | Ancient Greek | σκέπτομαι | I look at, examine; I examine, consider, think |
| 7 | Proto-Hellenic | sképťomai | to look at |
| 8 | Proto-Indo-European | spéḱyeti | to be looking at, to keep looking at |
| 9 | Proto-Indo-European | speḱ- | to see, to look, to observe |