catadioptric

[kat-uh-dahy-op-trik]

adjective

Optics.

1. pertaining to or produced by both reflection and refraction.

catadioptric

/ ˌkætədaɪˈɒptrɪk /

adjective

1. involving a combination of reflecting and refracting components

   a catadioptric telescope

catadioptric

1. Relating to both the reflection and refraction of light, especially by a combination of mirrors and lenses or by a prism. Catadioptric systems are used in Fresnel lenses, optical calibration equipment, and some telescopes.

2. Compare catoptric dioptric

Word History and Origins

Origin of catadioptric¹

First recorded in 1715–25; cata- + dioptric

Word History and Origins

Origin of catadioptric¹

C18: from _cata- + _dioptric

Example Sentences

Image: Apple Apple proposes its device use what’s called a catadioptric system, which uses curved mirrors and lenses to combine refraction and reflection into a single system.

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Catadioptric systems form the basis of optical telescopes, microscopes, and telephoto lenses.

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A compound or catadioptric telescope uses both lenses and mirrors, often packed into a short tube.

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Holophote, hol′o-fōt, n. an improved optical apparatus now used in lighthouses, by which all the light from the lamp is thrown in the required direction, in the catoptric holophote by reflectors, in the dioptric by refracting lenses, in the catadioptric by both combined.—adj.

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Catadioptric, -al, kat-a-di-op′trik, -al, adj. pertaining to instruments by which rays of light are both reflected and refracted.

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