Nicol prism

[nik-uhl]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

Optics.

one of a pair of prisms used to produce and analyze plane-polarized light in a polarizing microscope.

Nicol prism

/ ˈ��ɪ��ə�� /

noun

a device composed of two prisms of Iceland spar or calcite cut at specified angles and cemented together with Canada balsam. It is used for producing plane-polarized light

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Word History and Origins

Origin of Nicol prism¹

First recorded in 1870–75; named after William Nicol (1768–1851), British physicist, its inventor

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Word History and Origins

Origin of Nicol prism¹

C19: named after William Nicol (?1768–1851), Scottish physicist, its inventor

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

On the table of the sahibs are scattered lots of Nicol prisms, lens and eye-pieces.

From

The rotation of the Nicol prism with the vernier is performed by means of an endless screw.

From

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

Among others, the carefully considered modifications of the Nicol prism which have recently been devised by Prof. S.P.

From

Let us now mount our Nicol prisms, and cross them as we crossed the tourmaline.

From

Nicolle Nicolson

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