Crookes radiometer

noun

, Optics.

1. radiometer ( def 1 ).

Crookes radiometer

noun

1. physics a type of radiometer consisting of an evacuated glass bulb containing a set of lightweight vanes, each blackened on one side. The vanes are mounted on a vertical axis and revolve when light, or other radiant energy, falls on them

Word History and Origins

Origin of Crookes radiometer¹

First recorded in 1880–85; after Sir W. Crookes

Example Sentences

Another illustration of the power of cooled charcoal to produce high vacua is afforded by a Crookes radiometer.

From Project Gutenberg