An Effect

1. The result or outcome of a cause.
2. Impression left on the mind; sensation produced.
3. Execution; performance; realization; operation.
   1. (uncountable) The state of being binding and enforceable, as in a rule, policy, or law.
4. (cinematography) An illusion produced by technical means (as in "special effect")
5. (sound engineering) An alteration, or device for producing an alteration, in sound after it has been produced by an instrument.
6. (physics, psychology, etc.) A scientific phenomenon, usually named after its discoverer.
7. (usually in the plural) Belongings, usually as personal effects.
8. Consequence intended; purpose; meaning; general intent; with to.
9. (obsolete) Reality; actual meaning; fact, as distinguished from mere appearance.
10. (obsolete) Manifestation; expression; sign.

Usage notes

Do not confuse with affect.

Adjectives often applied to "effect":

• biological, chemical, cultural, economic, legal, mental, moral, nutritional, personal, physical, physiological, political and social
• actual, bad, beneficial, catastrophic, deleterious, disastrous, devastating, fatal, good, harmful, important, intended, likely, natural, negative, positive, potential, primary, real, secondary, significant, special, strong, undesirable and weak

ASTROPHYSICS:

Mössbauer effect

The Mössbauer effect is a phenomenon in nuclear physics named after Rudolf Mössbauer, who discovered it in 1958. It involves the recoil-free, resonant absorption and emission of gamma-ray photons by atomic nuclei bound in a solid crystal lattice. In traditional gamma-ray emission or absorption, the emitting or absorbing nucleus recoils due to conservation of momentum, causing a Doppler shift in the gamma-ray frequency. However, in the Mössbauer effect, the crystal lattice absorbs the recoil, allowing for extremely precise measurements of the nuclear properties, such as energy levels and lifetimes. This effect is widely used in Mössbauer spectroscopy for studying various aspects of atomic and molecular physics.