birefringence
[ bahy-ri-frin-juh ns ]
/ ˌbaɪ rɪˈfrɪn dʒəns /
noun Optics.
Origin of birefringence
First recorded in 1885–90;
bi-1 +
refringence
OTHER WORDS FROM birefringence
bi·re·frin·gent, adjectiveWords nearby birefringence
birdseed,
birdseye,
birdshot,
birdsong,
birectangular,
birefringence,
bireme,
birendra bir bikram shah dev,
biretta,
birgitta,
biri
Example sentences from the Web for birefringence
The difference between the two indices is a measure of the strength of the double refraction or birefringence.
British Dictionary definitions for birefringence
Derived forms of birefringence
birefringent, adjectiveMedical definitions for birefringence
birefringence
[ bī′rĭ-frĭn′jəns ]
n.
The resolution or splitting of a light wave into two unequally reflected waves by an optically anisotropic medium such as calcite or quartz.
Other words from birefringence
bi′re•frin′gent adj.Scientific definitions for birefringence
birefringence
[ bī′rĭ-frĭn′jəns ]
The property or capacity of splitting a beam of light into two beams, each refracted at a different angle, and each polarized at a right angle to the other. Certain crystals such as calcite and quartz have this property.
The difference in the index of refraction between two beams passing through a substance that has this property. See also refraction index of refraction.