Nicol prism
Americannoun
noun
Etymology
Origin of Nicol prism
First recorded in 1870–75; named after William Nicol (1768–1851), British physicist, its inventor
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Among others, the carefully considered modifications of the Nicol prism which have recently been devised by Prof. S.P.
From Scientific American Supplement, No. 441, June 14, 1884. by Various
It may be utterly quenched by a Nicol prism, the cloud from which it issues being caused to disappear.
From Six Lectures on Light Delivered In The United States In 1872-1873 by Tyndall, John
The circle revolving with the Nicol prism for changing the intensity of the star, has a diameter of 14 cm. and reads by means of two verniers to 6 min.
From Astronomical Instruments and Accessories by William Gaertner and Company
The Nicol prism, which serves as a polarizer, can, after turning the iris-diaphragm aside, be drawn out from under the latter.
From Microscopes and Accessory Apparatus Catalogue No. 40 by Leitz, Ernst
Light is polarized in several ways—by reflection, by transmission, but most commonly through what I have here, a prism of calcite, or Iceland spar, commonly called a Nicol prism.
From The Treasure-Train by Reeve, Arthur B. (Arthur Benjamin)
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
