birefringent

Variant of birefringence

birefringence definition

bi·re·frin·gence (bī′ri frin′jəns)

noun

the splitting of a light ray, generally by a crystal, into two components that travel at different velocities and are polarized at right angles to each other

Etymology: bi- + refringent

Related Forms:

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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