ground glass

noun

1. Optics.,  glass that has had its polished surface removed by fine grinding and that is used to diffuse light.

2. glass that has been ground into fine particles, especially for use as an abrasive.

ground glass

noun

1. glass that has a rough surface produced by grinding, used for diffusing light

2. glass in the form of fine particles produced by grinding, used as an abrasive

Word History and Origins

Origin of ground glass¹

First recorded in 1840–50