ground glass

American  

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.

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ground glass British  

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

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Etymology

Origin of ground glass

First recorded in 1840–50

Example Sentences

Traditional paint on canvas was often sidelined in favor of modern industrial materials such as poured resin, ground glass, lacquers and microfilm coatings.

From New York Times • Mar. 14, 2024

The team used finely ground glass particles as a binder, allowing them to avoid polymers and enhance its long-term durability outdoors, Zhao said.

From Science Daily • Nov. 13, 2023

Sure enough, his lungs have the ground glass appearance as well.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 18, 2021

“There was a 10mm pure ground glass opacity within left upper lobe and this is non-specific appearance.”

From The Guardian • Jun. 6, 2020

He sued The Coca-Cola Company, claiming a bottle of soda he’d bought was filled with ground glass, though he was in a prison that only offered Pepsi products in aluminum cans.

From "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot