ground glass

American  

noun

1. Optics. glass that has had its polished surface removed by fine grinding and that is used to diffuse light.

2. glass that has been ground into fine particles, especially for use as an abrasive.

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ground glass British  

noun

1. glass that has a rough surface produced by grinding, used for diffusing light

2. glass in the form of fine particles produced by grinding, used as an abrasive

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Etymology

Origin of ground glass

First recorded in 1840–50

Example Sentences

The team used finely ground glass particles as a binder, allowing them to avoid polymers and enhance its long-term durability outdoors, Zhao said.

From Science Daily • Nov. 13, 2023

Sure enough, his lungs have the ground glass appearance as well.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 18, 2021

She said the doctors who examined her in 2014 found ground glass nodules in her lungs, which must be monitored for cancer.

From New York Times • Sep. 7, 2021

“There was a 10mm pure ground glass opacity within left upper lobe and this is non-specific appearance.”

From The Guardian • Jun. 6, 2020

There was the sound of laughter, like ground glass.

From "The Reader" by Traci Chee