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Rayleigh scattering definition

Rayleigh scattering

a type of scattering that occurs when light waves pass through particles that are smaller than the wavelength: this type of scattering in the atmosphere makes the sky appear blue

Etymology: after 3d Baron Rayleigh

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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