spectroscopy

Definition of spectroscopy

spectroscopy (spek-TROS-koh-pee): The study of the amount of light that is taken up, given off, or scattered (reflected) by an object. Spectroscopy breaks down light and measures different wavelengths of visible and non-visible light. In medicine, different types of spectroscopy are being used to study tissues and to help make a diagnosis.

Source: NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms