resolving power
Americannoun
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Optics. the ability of an optical device to produce separate images of close objects.
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Photography. the degree to which a lens or photographic emulsion is able to define the details of an image.
noun
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Also called: resolution. physics
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the ability of a microscope, telescope, or other optical instrument to produce separate images of closely placed objects
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the ability of a spectrometer to separate two adjacent peaks in a spectrum
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photog the ability of an emulsion to show up fine detail in an image
Etymology
Origin of resolving power
First recorded in 1875–80
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.
In two-dimensional liquid chromatography, compounds are separated in two different ways, giving scientists much greater resolving power when working with samples containing many closely related chemicals.
From Science Daily ● Sep. 26, 2026
A telescope’s resolving power depends on the width of its aperture.
From Economist ● Jan. 7, 2016
An expression for resolving power is obtained from the Rayleigh criterion.
From Textbooks ● Aug. 12, 2015
The LBT’s resolving power is boosted even further when it is operated as a giant set of binoculars.
From Nature ● Jul. 10, 2013
As the minimum focal length increases with the square of the aperture, a quite impracticable distance would be required to rival the resolving power of a modern telescope.
From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 8, Slice 4 "Diameter" to "Dinarchus" by Various
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