1. A diffraction grating or optical device consisting of a series of parallel slits or steps used to disperse light into a spectrum for spectroscopic analysis.
Usage: technical; astronomy; physics
2. A ladder-like arrangement or structure; a series of steps or levels.
Usage: archaic; rare

Examples

• The astronomer used an echelle spectrograph to analyze the light from distant stars.
• The echelle grating in the instrument provided high spectral resolution.
• Modern telescopes often employ echelle gratings for precise wavelength measurements.
• The echelle design allows scientists to observe fine details in stellar spectra.
• Researchers calibrated the echelle before conducting their spectroscopic observations.