The word "absorptiometer" is spelled with the letter "t" between "p" and "i" because it comes from the Latin word "absorptio" which also has a "t" in the same place. The IPA phonetic transcription for "absorptiometer" is /əbˌsɔrp.tiˈɒm.ɪ.tər/, with stress on the second syllable. This word refers to a device used to measure the absorption of light by a substance, and its spelling can be a challenge even for native English speakers.
An absorptiometer, also referred to as an absorption spectrophotometer, is a scientific instrument primarily used to measure the absorbance or optical density of a given substance at specific wavelengths of light. It is a crucial tool in various fields such as chemistry, biochemistry, physics, and environmental science.
The device operates based on the principle that when light passes through a substance, it can be absorbed by the atoms or molecules present. The absorptiometer consists of a light source that emits a range of wavelengths and a sample compartment where the substance to be analyzed is placed. The light passes through the substance, and the amount of light absorbed is measured by a detector on the other side. This absorption is directly proportional to the concentration of the substance, enabling accurate quantitative analysis.
Absorptiometers offer high precision and sensitivity in measuring the concentration of various compounds, such as ions, organic molecules, or biochemical substances. They are commonly used in laboratory settings to determine the concentration of specific substances in a sample, as well as to investigate reaction rates, study molecular interactions, and identify unknown compounds. Modern absorptiometers often incorporate advanced technologies and computer software for automated data collection, analysis, and result interpretation.
In summary, an absorptiometer is an invaluable scientific instrument utilized to quantify the absorption of light by a substance, facilitating the determination of its concentration and aiding in a wide range of research and analytical applications.
1. An instrument for determining the amount of gas absorbed by a given quantity of liquid. 2. An appliance for determining the thickness of a layer of liquid between two glass plates in apparent apposition; used in hematoscopy.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "absorptiometer" is derived from two components: "absorptio" and "meter".
The term "absorptio" comes from the Latin word "absorptio" meaning "act of swallowing up" or "absorption". This root word suggests the process of absorbing or taking in something, such as liquids, gases, or energy.
The ending "meter" is derived from the Greek word "metron", which means "measure" or "measuring device". In English, the suffix "-meter" is used to refer to an instrument or device that measures a particular attribute.
Therefore, the word "absorptiometer" combines the concept of "absorption" with the suffix "-meter" to create a term that describes a device or instrument used to measure absorption.