circular dichroism

noun

1
: the property (as of an optically active medium) of unequal absorption of right and left plane-polarized light so that the emergent light is elliptically polarized
2
: a spectroscopic technique that makes use of circular dichroism

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1961, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of circular dichroism was circa 1961

Dictionary Entries Near circular dichroism

Cite this Entry

“Circular dichroism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/circular%20dichroism. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

circular dichroism

noun
1
: the property (as of an optically active medium) of unequal absorption of right and left plane-polarized light so that the emergent light is elliptically polarized
2
: a spectroscopic technique that makes use of circular dichroism
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!