extraordinary ray

noun

, Optics, Crystallography.

1. the part of a doubly refracted ray that has changed speed and vibrations in the principal plane of the crystal.

extraordinary ray

noun

1. See ordinary ray, double refraction
   optics the plane-polarized ray of light that does not obey the laws of refraction in a doubly refracting crystal Compare double refraction ordinary ray

Word History and Origins

Origin of extraordinary ray¹

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

Now the refractive index of Iceland spar is, for the extraordinary ray less, and for the ordinary greater, than for Canada balsam.

From Project Gutenberg

The extraordinary ray, produced by the double refraction of the ordinary ray, o.

From Project Gutenberg

The extraordinary ray, produced by the double refraction of the extraordinary ray, e. o o.

From Project Gutenberg