spinthariscope

[ spin-thar-uh-skohp ]

noun

1. an instrument that detects ionizing radiation by picking up sparks of light from alpha particles.

spinthariscope

/ spɪnˈθærɪˌskəʊp /

noun

1. a device for observing ionizing radiation, consisting of a tube with a magnifying lens at one end and a phosphorescent screen at the other. A particle hitting the screen produces a scintillation

Other Words From

• spin·thar·i·scop·ic [spin-thar-, uh, -, skop, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of spinthariscope¹

First recorded in 1900–1905; formed irregulary from Greek spintharí(s) (inflectional stem spintharíd- ) “spark” + -scope ( def )

Word History and Origins

Origin of spinthariscope¹

C20: from Greek spintharis a little spark + -scope

Example Sentences

Sir William Crookes invented this radium light apparatus and called it a "spinthariscope," which is Greek for "spark-seer."

From Project Gutenberg

But the most striking way of showing the emanations is by the little contrivance I call a Spinthariscope.

From Project Gutenberg

A simple form of apparatus called the spinthariscope has been devised to show these scintillations.

From Project Gutenberg