polarimeter

noun

po·​lar·​im·​e·​ter ˌpō-lə-ˈri-mə-tər How to pronounce polarimeter (audio)
1
: an instrument for determining the amount of polarization of light or the proportion of polarized light in a partially polarized ray
2
: a polariscope for measuring the amount of rotation of the plane of polarization especially by liquids
polarimetric
pō-ˌler-ə-ˈme-trik How to pronounce polarimeter (audio)
pō-ˌla-rə-ˈme-trik
adjective
polarimetry noun

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web So astronomers used the VLT to stare at LAB-1 for 15 hours, using a polarimeter (a device for measuring polarized light). Phil Plait, Discover Magazine, 18 Aug. 2011 Researchers have demonstrated optical devices such as spectrometers and polarimeters made from stacks of these flat surfaces. Scientific American, 1 Dec. 2019

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'polarimeter.' 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, from polarization

First Known Use

1843, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of polarimeter was in 1843

Dictionary Entries Near polarimeter

Cite this Entry

“Polarimeter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polarimeter. Accessed 30 May. 2023.

Medical Definition

polarimeter

noun
po·​lar·​im·​e·​ter ˌpō-lə-ˈrim-ət-ər How to pronounce polarimeter (audio)
1
: an instrument for determining the amount of polarization of light or the proportion of polarized light in a partially polarized ray
2
: a polariscope for measuring the amount of rotation of the plane of polarization especially by liquids
polarimetric adjective
polarimetry noun
plural polarimetries
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