refractometer

[ ree-frak-tom-i-ter ]

noun

, Optics.

1. an instrument for determining the refractive index of a substance.

refractometer

/ rɪˌfræktəˈmɛtrɪk; ˌriːfrækˈtɒmɪtə /

noun

1. any instrument for determining the refractive index of a substance

Derived Forms

• ˌrefracˈtometry, noun
• refractometric, adjective

Other Words From

• re·frac·to·met·ric [ri-frak-t, uh, -, me, -trik], adjective
• refrac·tome·try noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of refractometer¹

First recorded in 1875–80; refract + -o- + -meter

Example Sentences

For each sample, I use a refractometer, which measures moisture content, a pH meter for acidity, a honey color photometer, and other instruments that measure acidity and viscosity.

From New York Times

He watched as Ms. Newton cut some honeycombs and spooned a dollop onto the small glass surface of a refractometer, a device used to gauge the moisture content in the honey.

From New York Times

Using a device called a refractometer, we then measured the salinity of our sample.

From Washington Times

The refractometer measures the amount of sugar in a few drops of juice.

From The New Yorker

On this day, David Hulton was behind the barista counter, using a refractometer to measure the total dissolved solids in an average cup of coffee.

From Seattle Times