birefringencen.
/bʌɪrɪˈfrɪndʒəns/ Optics.
= double refraction at refraction n. 2a.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > physics > electromagnetic radiation > light > refraction > [noun] > double refraction
double refraction1794
birefringence1889
1889 Cent. Dict. Birefringent.
1898 E. S. Dana Text-bk. Mineral. (new ed.) ii. 172 The wide separation of the two refracted rays by calcite..is a consequence of the large difference in the values of its indices of refraction, in other words, as technically expressed, it is due to the strength of its double refraction, or its birefringence.
1957 New Biol. 22 67 The polarizing microscope..is a device for detecting and measuring optical anisotropy, commonly referred to as birefringence (or double refraction), because the value of the refractive index varies systematically in different directions.
Derivatives
bireˈfringent adj.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > physics > electromagnetic radiation > light > refraction > [adjective] > doubly refracting
disdiaclastic1671
birefringent1949
1949 New Biol. 7 73 The spindle is birefringent (i.e. it has different refractive indices in different transecting planes).
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1933; most recently modified version published online September 2018).
<
n.1889