stroboscope

noun

stro·​bo·​scope ˈstrō-bə-ˌskōp How to pronounce stroboscope (audio)
: an instrument for determining the speed of cyclic motion (such as rotation or vibration) that causes the motion to appear slowed or stopped: such as
a
: a revolving disk with holes around the edge through which an object is viewed
b
: a device that uses a flash tube to intermittently illuminate a moving object
c
: a cardboard disk with marks to be viewed under intermittent light

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Using a stroboscope to generate extremely brief bursts of light, Massachusetts Institute of Technology electrical engineering professor Harold Edgerton photographed this splash made by a drop of milk in 1957. Scientific American, 18 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'stroboscope.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

Etymology

Greek strobos whirling + International Scientific Vocabulary -scope

First Known Use

1896, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of stroboscope was in 1896

Dictionary Entries Near stroboscope

Cite this Entry

“Stroboscope.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stroboscope. Accessed 26 Mar. 2023.

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