How Do You Spell NICOL PRISM?

Pronunciation: [nˈɪkɒl pɹˈɪzəm] (IPA)

The correct spelling of the word "Nicol Prism" is /nɪkəl prɪzəm/. The "Nicol" part is pronounced with a short "i" sound followed by a "k" sound, and the stress is on the first syllable. "Prism" is pronounced with a long "i" sound in the first syllable, and the stress is also on the first syllable. The Nicol prism is an optical device that uses birefringence to split a beam of light into two polarized beams, commonly used in geological and mineralogical studies.

NICOL PRISM Meaning and Definition

1. A Nicol Prism is an optical device used for the study and analysis of light polarization. It is a type of polarizing prism, named after its inventor, William Nicol, a Scottish physicist. The Nicol Prism consists of a specially cut calcite crystal that is split lengthwise and then reassembled with an adhesive substance known as Canada balsam. This unique construction allows the Nicol Prism to function as a polarizer, meaning it can separate unpolarized light into two beams of polarized light.

   Unpolarized light is composed of waves vibrating in all possible directions. However, when unpolarized light passes through a Nicol Prism, it is divided into two perpendicular polarized beams. These beams travel at different speeds within the crystal due to the double refraction property of calcite. As a result, one beam is transmitted straight through the prism while the other beam is refracted at a right angle.

   Nicol Prisms have many practical applications in various fields of science, including mineralogy, geology, and microscopy, where the study of polarized light is essential. They are also commonly used in optical instruments such as polarimeters and polarizing microscopes. By rotating the Nicol Prism, the intensity and orientation of polarized light can be manipulated, allowing for detailed examination and analysis of different materials and structures that interact with light in unique ways.

   In summary, a Nicol Prism is a polarizing prism made of calcite crystal, used to manipulate and analyze polarized light in scientific and optical instruments.

2. • A polarizing prism made by cutting through a prism of Iceland spar and reuniting the cut surfaces with Canada balsam; light passing through this prism is split, the ordinary rays being deflected by the layers of balsam, only the polarized light being transmitted.

   • See Nicol.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for NICOL PRISM

• bicol prism
• micol prism
• jicol prism
• hicol prism
• nucol prism
• njcol prism
• nkcol prism
• nocol prism
• n9col prism
• n8col prism
• nixol prism
• nivol prism
• nifol prism
• nidol prism
• nicil prism
• nickl prism
• nicll prism
• nicpl prism
• nic0l prism

Etymology of NICOL PRISM

The word "Nicol" in "Nicol prism" is derived from the name William Nicol, a Scottish physicist who invented this type of prism in the early 19th century. William Nicol developed the Nicol prism by cutting and cementing two calcite crystals together in a specific manner to create a polarizing effect. His prism became widely used in various scientific fields, particularly in optical mineralogy and polarized light microscopy. Therefore, the name "Nicol prism" was given to honor its inventor.

Plural form of NICOL PRISM is NICOL PRISMS