scintilloscope

noun

scin·​til·​lo·​scope

variants or less commonly scintilliscope

sin‧ˈtiləˌskōp

: a small instrument similar to the spinthariscope for exhibiting scintillations (as of a radioactive substance) on a sensitive screen

Word History

Etymology

scintillo-, scintilli- (from Latin scintilla) + -scope

First Known Use

1904, in the meaning defined above

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!