Definition of: Mossbauer effect

(mœs′bou′ər)
The absorption of gamma rays emitted from a radioactive isotope by nuclei of the same isotope, with resonance between the emitting and absorbing nuclei, both of which are anchored in crystals. It is used in the exact determination of wavelengths, time intervals, the red shift, and in testing various concepts of relativity and quantum theory, [after Rudolf L. Mössbauer, born 1929, U.S. physicist born in Germany]