refractometer

[ree-frak-tom-i-ter]

noun

Optics.

1. an instrument for determining the refractive index of a substance.

refractometer

/ rɪˌfræktəˈmɛtrɪk, ˌriːfrækˈtɒmɪtə /

noun

1. any instrument for determining the refractive index of a substance

Other Word Forms

• refractometry noun
• refractometric adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of refractometer¹

First recorded in 1875–80; refract + -o- + -meter

Example Sentences

For each sample, I use a refractometer, which measures moisture content, a pH meter for acidity, a honey color photometer, and other instruments that measure acidity and viscosity.

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He watched as Ms. Newton cut some honeycombs and spooned a dollop onto the small glass surface of a refractometer, a device used to gauge the moisture content in the honey.

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Using a device called a refractometer, we then measured the salinity of our sample.

Read more on Washington Times

The refractometer measures the amount of sugar in a few drops of juice.

Read more on The New Yorker

On this day, David Hulton was behind the barista counter, using a refractometer to measure the total dissolved solids in an average cup of coffee.

Read more on Seattle Times