herapathite

noun

her·​a·​path·​ite
ˈherəˌpaˌthīt,
-pȧˌ-
plural -s
: a salt of quinine that is obtained by treating the sulfate with iodine in the form of rhomboidal plates capable of polarizing light and that is used as a polarizing agent usually in the form of small crystals oriented in the same direction in a transparent film

Word History

Etymology

William B. Herapath †1868 English chemist + English -ite

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Cite this Entry

“Herapathite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/herapathite. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.

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