polarimeter

[ poh-luh-rim-i-ter ]

noun

, Optics.

1. an instrument for measuring the amount of light received from a given source as a function of its state of polarization.
2. a form of polariscope for measuring the angular rotation of the plane of polarization.

polarimeter

/ ˌpəʊləˈrɪmɪtə; ˌpəʊlərɪˈmɛtrɪk /

noun

1. an instrument for measuring the amount of polarization of light
2. See optical activity
   an instrument for measuring the rotation of the plane of polarization of light as a result of its passage through a liquid or solution See optical activity

Derived Forms

• ˌpolarˈimetry, noun
• polarimetric, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of polarimeter¹

1860–65; < Medieval Latin polāri ( s ) polar + -meter

Example Sentences

The presence of cane sugar can be detected with certainty only by the use of the polarimeter.

From Project Gutenberg