Definition

Noun: 1. A scientific instrument for measuring the refractive index of a substance: A refractometer is a device that determines how much light bends, or refracts, when it passes through a material. This measurement, the refractive index, is a fundamental physical property used to identify substances, assess their purity, or determine their concentration.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The chemist used a refractometer to check the purity of the essential oil.
  • In a gemology lab, a refractometer is essential for identifying different types of gemstones.
  • The quality control process involves using a refractometer to measure the sugar content in the fruit juice.

Advanced Usage

• "To take a refractometer reading": To use the instrument to obtain a measurement.
  • After calibrating the device, the technician took a refractometer reading of the saline solution.

Variants and Related Words

• Refractometry (n): The measurement technique or science of using a refractometer.
  • Refractometry is a common method in analytical chemistry.
• Refractive Index (n): The numerical value measured by a refractometer, indicating how much a substance slows down light.
  • Diamond has a very high refractive index, which gives it its brilliance.

Synonyms

• Index measuring device: A general term for an instrument that measures an index, such as refractive index.

Noun

1. measuring instrument for measuring the refractive index of a substance