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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
In the quantum Cheshire cat experiments, a weak measurement is made along a path in the interferometer, the paths then merge, and the emerging particles are measured with an ordinary detector. Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 9 Sep. 2024 Its movement during this time, and thus the force imparted to it by the evaporation of its surface, was tracked by a laser interferometer placed on the far side of the disk from the X-ray source. John Timmer, Ars Technica, 24 Sep. 2024 Along one path of the interferometer, a weak measurement of the particle’s position can be taken and, along the other, its spin. Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 9 Sep. 2024 The Event Horizon Telescope, which has observed the central black hole in the Milky Way, as well as that of the galaxy M87, is a radio interferometer. Phil Plait, Scientific American, 23 Nov. 2023 See all Example Sentences for interferometer 

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 5 Nov. 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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