Spĕc'tro-scōpe, n.

n. [Lat. spectrum and Gr. σκοπεῖν, σκέπτεσθαι.] An optical instrument for forming and examining spectra, particularly those produced by flames in which different substances are volatilized, so as to determine, from the position of the spectral lines, the composition of the substance.

Am. Journal of Science.