flint glass

American  

noun

Optics.

1. an optical glass of high dispersion and a relatively high index of refraction, composed of alkalis, lead oxide, and silica, with or without other bases, sometimes used as the diverging lens component of an achromatic lens.

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flint glass British  

noun

1. another name for optical flint flint

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Etymology

Origin of flint glass

First recorded in 1665–75

Example Sentences

Flint glass particularly, which appeared quite satisfactory when viewed in small pieces, was found to be so far from homogeneous as to be useless for lens construction.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 12, Slice 1 "Gichtel, Johann" to "Glory" by Various

Flint glass effects a greater dispersion than crown glass nearly in the ratio of three to two.

From Pleasures of the telescope An Illustrated Guide for Amateur Astronomers and a Popular Description of the Chief Wonders of the Heavens for General Readers by Serviss, Garrett Putman

Flint glass is worked off by the blower into wine-glasses, tumblers, decanters, and other suitable vessels.

From British Manufacturing Industries Pottery, Glass and Silicates, Furniture and Woodwork. by Arnoux, L.

Flint glass contains lead; the lead makes the glass dense, and gives it great refractive power, enabling it to bend and separate light in all directions.

From General Science by Clark, Bertha M.

Flint glass is better, and rock crystal is better than flint glass.

From Six Lectures on Light Delivered In The United States In 1872-1873 by Tyndall, John