An Abbe refractometer is a scientific instrument used to measure the refractive index of liquids and solids. It is a valuable tool in the fields of chemistry, biology, and materials science, as it allows researchers to determine the purity and composition of substances. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of Abbe refractometer, as well as its origin, associations, synonyms, and antonyms.
Definitions
An Abbe refractometer is a device that measures the refractive index of a substance. The refractive index is a measure of how much a substance bends light, and it is related to the speed of light in that substance. The Abbe refractometer works by shining a beam of light through a prism and measuring the angle at which the light is bent as it passes through the substance being tested.
Origin
The Abbe refractometer is named after its inventor, Ernst Abbe, a German physicist and mathematician who lived from 1840 to 1905. Abbe was a pioneer in the field of optics, and he is best known for his work on the theory of optical instruments, including microscopes and telescopes. He developed the Abbe refractometer in the late 19th century as a way to measure the refractive index of glass.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, an Abbe refractometer is “an instrument for determining the refractive indices of liquids and solids by measuring the critical angle of total reflection of light at the boundary between the substance and a prism of known refractive index.”
The Oxford English Dictionary defines an Abbe refractometer as “an instrument for measuring the refractive index of a substance, consisting of a prism with a graduated scale and a telescope for observing the angle of refraction.”
Associations
The Abbe refractometer is commonly used in the fields of chemistry, biology, and materials science. It is used to measure the refractive index of liquids and solids, which can provide information about their composition, purity, and other properties. It is also used in the food industry to measure the sugar content of fruits and vegetables.
Synonyms
There are no commonly used synonyms for Abbe refractometer, as it is a specific scientific instrument with a unique name.
Antonyms
There are no commonly used antonyms for Abbe refractometer, as it is a specific scientific instrument with a unique name.
The same root words
The Abbe refractometer is named after its inventor, Ernst Abbe. The word “refractometer” comes from the Latin word “refracto,” which means “to break.” The Abbe refractometer works by measuring the way that light is “broken” or bent as it passes through a substance.
Example Sentences
- The Abbe refractometer is a valuable tool for measuring the refractive index of liquids and solids.
- Researchers in the food industry use the Abbe refractometer to measure the sugar content of fruits and vegetables.
- The Abbe refractometer was invented by Ernst Abbe in the late 19th century.