refractometer

American  

[ree-frak-tom-i-ter] / ˌri frækˈtɒm ɪ tər /

noun

Optics.

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

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refractometer British  

/ rɪˌfræktəˈmɛtrɪk, ˌriːfrækˈtɒmɪtə /

noun

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

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Other Word Forms

• refractometric adjective
• refractometry noun

Etymology

Origin of refractometer

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

Example Sentences

A device called a refractometer, sold on Amazon for $20 to $30, can measure Brix levels from a drop of juice.

From New York Times • Apr. 17, 2018

Mr. Reyes agreed when she handed the refractometer to him.

From New York Times • Sep. 10, 2017

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.

From New York Times • Sep. 10, 2017

One young man made the connection between the refractometer and how the grapes tasted.

From Slate • Jan. 25, 2013

Lacking a refractometer, the widely differing specific gravities of the two minerals would easily serve to distinguish them.

From A Text-Book of Precious Stones for Jewelers and the Gem-Loving Public by Wade, Frank Bertram