refractometer

American  

[ree-frak-tom-i-ter] / ˌri frækˈtɒm ɪ tər /

noun

Optics.

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

---

refractometer British  

/ rɪˌfræktəˈmɛtrɪk, ˌriːfrækˈtɒmɪtə /

noun

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

---

Other Word Forms

• refractometric adjective
• refractometry noun

Etymology

Origin of refractometer

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

Example Sentences

A device called a refractometer, sold on Amazon for $20 to $30, can measure Brix levels from a drop of juice.

From New York Times • Apr. 17, 2018

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 • Sep. 10, 2017

Mr. Reyes agreed when she handed the refractometer to him.

From New York Times • Sep. 10, 2017

One young man made the connection between the refractometer and how the grapes tasted.

From Slate • Jan. 25, 2013

Then the refractometer is moved in the same direction till the fringes appear again at l, and so on till the whole meter has been stepped off.

From Scientific American Supplement, No. 633, February 18, 1888 by Various