refractometer

noun

re·​frac·​tom·​e·​ter ˌrē-ˌfrak-ˈtä-mə-tər How to pronounce refractometer (audio)
ri-
: an instrument for measuring refractive indices (as for identification or the determination of sugar content)
refractometric adjective
refractometry noun

Examples of refractometer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The refractometer determines the speed of light moving through your coffee, and therefore its concentration. Jennifer Welsh, Discover Magazine, 20 Sep. 2010 Alcohol content of the distillate should be in the region of 50% ABV., which can be checked with a refractometer. Megan Murphy, Robb Report, 21 Apr. 2021 Puro slides another portion of the soil into a portable refractometer to measure the carbon content using a newer method calledQuick Carbonthat's being tested as a rapid means for measuring carbon in the field. Todd Nelson, Star Tribune, 22 Feb. 2021 Puro slides another portion of the soil into a portable refractometer to measure the carbon content using a newer method called Quick Carbon that’s being tested as a rapid means for measuring carbon in the field. Meg Wilcox, Smithsonian Magazine, 20 Feb. 2021 Now, some Dunkin’ shops use digital refractometers to determine if coffee meets specifications. Eric Morath, WSJ, 24 June 2018 Theft, Westway Drive: The president of Optics Incorporated reported receiving a fraudulent purchase order four $36,000 refractometers that were sent to a New York address. Brian Lisik/special To Cleveland.com, cleveland.com, 2 Apr. 2018 This is a little nerdy, but a refractometer uses light to identify the components and ingredient levels in solutions, which is super helpful for calculating the percentage of alcohol in a beverage. Alex Delany, Bon Appetit, 29 Jan. 2018 After finding the right water quality for sea salt production, the next step is testing the salinity with a refractometer—in simple terms, testing the saltiness. Jessica Colley Clarke, CNT, 17 Aug. 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'refractometer.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1842, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of refractometer was in 1842

Dictionary Entries Near refractometer

Cite this Entry

“Refractometer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/refractometer. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

refractometer

noun
re·​frac·​tom·​e·​ter ˌrē-ˌfrak-ˈtäm-ət-ər, ri- How to pronounce refractometer (audio)
: an instrument for measuring indices of refraction

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