The study of physical systems by the electromagnetic radiation with which they interact
or that thay produce. Spectrometry is the measurement of such radiations as a means
of obtaining information about the systems and their components. In certain types
of
optical spectroscopy, the radiation originates from an external source and is modified by the system,
whereas in other types, the radiation originates within the system itself.
Source:
PAC, 1986, 58, 1737
(Quantities and units in clinical chemistry: Nebulizer and flame properties in flame
emission and absorption spectrometry (Recommendations 1986))
on page 1738