interferometer

noun

in·​ter·​fer·​om·​e·​ter ˌin-tər-fə-ˈrä-mə-tər How to pronounce interferometer (audio)
ˌin-tə-,
-ˌfi-ˈrä-
: an apparatus that utilizes the interference of waves (as of light) for precise determinations (as of distance or wavelength)
interferometric adjective
interferometrically adverb
interferometry
ˌin-tər-fə-ˈrä-mə-trē How to pronounce interferometer (audio)
ˌin-tə-
-ˌfi-ˈrä-
noun

Examples of interferometer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The spinning operation is achieved with standard rotators, enhancing robustness compared to delicate mirror movements required in interferometers. IEEE Spectrum, 3 Feb. 2024 And that means a much larger distance between the interferometer's mirrors and an escape from the seismic noise of Earth. John Timmer, Ars Technica, 25 Jan. 2024 In the 1960s, physicists suggested that a full-loop Stern-Gerlach experiment would create a super-sensitive interferometer that could help test that quantum-classical boundary. Leila Sloman, Quanta Magazine, 6 Dec. 2023 The Event Horizon Telescope, which has observed the Milky Way’s central black hole as well as that of the galaxy M87, is a radio interferometer. Phil Plait, Scientific American, 23 Nov. 2023 To clarify how this analogy relates to the actual device, Hu explains that the device consists of an interferometer, which interferes with the beams of light. IEEE Spectrum, 24 Oct. 2018 Optical switches are placed on each arm of the interferometer so that light is directed to waveguides of different path lengths. IEEE Spectrum, 24 Oct. 2018 This device, better known as a Michelson interferometer, has a unique L-shape. Caitlyn Buongiorno, Discover Magazine, 9 July 2020 Atom interferometers work by cooling down a cloud of atoms to just a few degrees above absolute zero. Michael Moyer, Scientific American, 1 Oct. 2013

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'interferometer.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1897, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of interferometer was in 1897

Dictionary Entries Near interferometer

Cite this Entry

“Interferometer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interferometer. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

interferometer

noun
in·​ter·​fer·​om·​e·​ter ˌint-ə(r)-fə-ˈräm-ət-ər How to pronounce interferometer (audio)
-ˌfir-ˈäm-
: an instrument that uses the interference of waves (as of light) for making exact measurements (as of wavelength)

Medical Definition

interferometer

noun
in·​ter·​fer·​om·​e·​ter ˌint-ə(r)-fə-ˈräm-ət-ər, -ˌfir-ˈäm- How to pronounce interferometer (audio)
: an instrument that utilizes the interference of waves (as of light) for precise determination especially of wavelength, spectral fine structure, indices of refraction, and very small linear displacements
interferometric adjective
interferometrically adverb
interferometry noun
plural interferometries

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