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The meaning of BIREFRINGENCE is the refraction of light in an anisotropic material (such as calcite) in two slightly different directions to form two rays —called also double refraction. How to use birefringence in a sentence.
relating to or characterized by double refraction.
Define birefringent. birefringent synonyms, birefringent pronunciation, birefringent translation, English dictionary definition of birefringent. n. The resolution or splitting of a light wave into two unequally reflected or transmitted waves by an optically anisotropic medium such as calcite or...
Crystals with non-cubic crystal structures are often birefringent, as are plastics under mechanical stress. Birefringence is responsible for the phenomenon of double refraction whereby a ray of light, when incident upon a birefringent material, is split by polarization into two rays taking slightly different paths.
What does the adjective birefringent mean? There is one meaning in OED's entry for the adjective birefringent . See ‘Meaning & use’ for definition, usage, and quotation evidence.
Collins English Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers. Trends of. birefringent. View usage over: Source: Google Books Ngram Viewer. 2 senses: (of a material) having the property of double refraction → another name for double refraction.... Click for more definitions.
Synonyms. Some synonyms of birefringent include double refraction, anisotropic, dichroic, and polarizing. Antonyms. There are no direct antonyms for birefringent, as it is a specific property of certain materials. The same root words. The root words of birefringent are “bi” meaning two and “refringere” meaning to break.
