birefringence

[bahy-ri-frin-juh ns]

noun Optics.

double refraction.

Origin of birefringence

First recorded in 1885–90; bi-¹ + refringence

Related formsbi·re·frin·gent, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for birefringence

Historical Examples of birefringence

The difference between the two indices is a measure of the strength of the double refraction or birefringence.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 7, Slice 7
Various

British Dictionary definitions for birefringence

birefringence

noun

another name for double refraction

Derived Formsbirefringent, adjective

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

birefringence in Medicine

birefringence

[bī′rĭ-frĭn′jəns]

n.

The resolution or splitting of a light wave into two unequally reflected waves by an optically anisotropic medium such as calcite or quartz.

Related formsbi′re•frin′gent adj.

birefringence in Science

birefringence

[bī′rĭ-frĭn′jəns]

The property or capacity of splitting a beam of light into two beams, each refracted at a different angle, and each polarized at a right angle to the other. Certain crystals such as calcite and quartz have this property.

The difference in the index of refraction between two beams passing through a substance that has this property. See also refraction index of refraction.