refractometer
noun
re·frac·tom·e·ter
ˌrē-ˌfrak-ˈtä-mə-tər 
ri-
: an instrument for measuring refractive indices (as for identification or the determination of sugar content)
Examples of refractometer in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Alcohol content of the distillate should be in the region of 50% ABV., which can be checked with a refractometer.
—
Megan Murphy, Robb Report, 21 Apr. 2021
Puro slides another portion of the soil into a portable refractometer to measure the carbon content using a newer method calledQuick Carbonthat's being tested as a rapid means for measuring carbon in the field.
—Todd Nelson, Star Tribune, 22 Feb. 2021
Puro slides another portion of the soil into a portable refractometer to measure the carbon content using a newer method called Quick Carbon that’s being tested as a rapid means for measuring carbon in the field.
—Meg Wilcox, Smithsonian Magazine, 20 Feb. 2021
Now, some Dunkin’ shops use digital refractometers to determine if coffee meets specifications.
—Eric Morath, WSJ, 24 June 2018
Theft, Westway Drive: The president of Optics Incorporated reported receiving a fraudulent purchase order four $36,000 refractometers that were sent to a New York address.
—Brian Lisik/special To Cleveland.com, cleveland.com, 2 Apr. 2018
This is a little nerdy, but a refractometer uses light to identify the components and ingredient levels in solutions, which is super helpful for calculating the percentage of alcohol in a beverage.
—Alex Delany, Bon Appetit, 29 Jan. 2018
After finding the right water quality for sea salt production, the next step is testing the salinity with a refractometer—in simple terms, testing the saltiness.
—Jessica Colley Clarke, CNT, 17 Aug. 2017
The refractometer determines the speed of light moving through your coffee, and therefore its concentration.
—Jennifer Welsh, Discover Magazine, 20 Sep. 2010
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Megan Murphy, Robb Report, 21 Apr. 2021
Puro slides another portion of the soil into a portable refractometer to measure the carbon content using a newer method calledQuick Carbonthat's being tested as a rapid means for measuring carbon in the field.
—Todd Nelson, Star Tribune, 22 Feb. 2021
Puro slides another portion of the soil into a portable refractometer to measure the carbon content using a newer method called Quick Carbon that’s being tested as a rapid means for measuring carbon in the field.
—Meg Wilcox, Smithsonian Magazine, 20 Feb. 2021
Now, some Dunkin’ shops use digital refractometers to determine if coffee meets specifications.
—Eric Morath, WSJ, 24 June 2018
Theft, Westway Drive: The president of Optics Incorporated reported receiving a fraudulent purchase order four $36,000 refractometers that were sent to a New York address.
—Brian Lisik/special To Cleveland.com, cleveland.com, 2 Apr. 2018
This is a little nerdy, but a refractometer uses light to identify the components and ingredient levels in solutions, which is super helpful for calculating the percentage of alcohol in a beverage.
—Alex Delany, Bon Appetit, 29 Jan. 2018
After finding the right water quality for sea salt production, the next step is testing the salinity with a refractometer—in simple terms, testing the saltiness.
—Jessica Colley Clarke, CNT, 17 Aug. 2017
The refractometer determines the speed of light moving through your coffee, and therefore its concentration.
—Jennifer Welsh, Discover Magazine, 20 Sep. 2010
Cite this Entry
“Refractometer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/refractometer. Accessed 19 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
refractometer
noun
re·frac·tom·e·ter
ˌrē-ˌfrak-ˈtäm-ət-ər, ri-
: an instrument for measuring indices of refraction
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