REFRACTOMETER Meaning and
Definition
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A refractometer is a scientific instrument used to measure the refractive index of a substance. The refractive index is a measure of how much a substance bends or refracts light as it passes through it. This measurement is crucial in various fields such as chemistry, physics, biology, and medicine.
The device consists of a prism or a transparent sample holder that allows light to pass through it. As light enters the sample, it undergoes refraction, which causes a change in its direction. The refractometer then measures the angle at which the light bends, allowing the determination of the refractive index.
Refractometers come in different types and are designed specifically for different applications. The most common type is the handheld refractometer, which is portable and compact. This type is often used in industries such as food and beverage, gemology, and agriculture. Another type is the digital refractometer, which uses advanced technology to provide more precise and accurate readings.
In addition to measuring refractive index, refractometers can also be used to determine the concentration or purity of a substance. For instance, in the food industry, a refractometer can measure the sugar content in fruits or the concentration of dissolved solids in juices.
Overall, the refractometer is a versatile tool used in various scientific fields to determine the refractive index, concentration, or purity of a substance by analyzing how light behaves when passing through it.
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An instrument for measuring the degree of refraction.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for REFRACTOMETER
- eefractometer
- defractometer
- fefractometer
- tefractometer
- 5efractometer
- 4efractometer
- rwfractometer
- rsfractometer
- rdfractometer
- rrfractometer
- r4fractometer
- r3fractometer
- redractometer
- recractometer
- revractometer
- regractometer
- retractometer
- rerractometer
- refeactometer
Etymology of REFRACTOMETER
The word "refractometer" is derived from two root words: "refracto-" and "-meter".
The first part, "refracto-", is derived from the Latin word "refractus", which means "broken" or "bent". This root refers to the bending or deviation of light when it passes from one medium to another, such as when light passes through a lens or a prism.
The second part, "-meter", comes from the Greek word "metron", meaning "measure" or "measurement". This root is commonly used in words related to instruments or devices used for measuring various properties.
Therefore, when combined, the word "refractometer" literally means a device or instrument used for measuring the deviation or bending of light as it passes through a substance.
Similar spelling words for REFRACTOMETER
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