Nicol prism

[ nik-uhl ]

noun

, Optics.

1. one of a pair of prisms used to produce and analyze plane-polarized light in a polarizing microscope.

Nicol prism

/ ˈnɪkəl /

noun

1. a device composed of two prisms of Iceland spar or calcite cut at specified angles and cemented together with Canada balsam. It is used for producing plane-polarized light

Word History and Origins

Origin of Nicol prism¹

First recorded in 1870–75; named after William Nicol (1768–1851), British physicist, its inventor

Word History and Origins

Origin of Nicol prism¹

C19: named after William Nicol (?1768–1851), Scottish physicist, its inventor

Example Sentences

Now I put in the lantern another instrument called a "Nicol prism."

From Project Gutenberg

A Nicol prism large enough to embrace the entire beam of the electric lamp was placed between the lamp and the experimental tube.

From Project Gutenberg

It may be utterly quenched by a Nicol prism, the cloud from which it issues being caused to disappear.

From Project Gutenberg

We rarely have such a grand specimen of a Nicol prism as this.

From Project Gutenberg

I may add that the Cypridina light like any other light may be polarized by passing through a Nicol prism.

From Project Gutenberg