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

Example Sentences

Ground glass is put in food to cause internal bleeding, and nicotine concentrated by boiling can cause a heart attack.

From The Daily Beast

What appears to be ground glass is only the little crystals or small particles of alkali that have not been dissolved.

From Project Gutenberg

The camera obscura consisted of a box with a lens at one end and a ground glass at the other, just like a modern camera.

From Project Gutenberg

He was "candling" a phial of ground glass in his fingers as a good wife tries eggs.

From Project Gutenberg

Bottles furnished with ground-glass caps, as well as stoppers, are frequently employed.

From Project Gutenberg

The barrels, and every bit of metal upon them, instantly became white, like ground glass!

From Project Gutenberg