blink comparator: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very RareTechnical/Specialist
Quick answer
What does “blink comparator” mean?
A historical optical instrument used in astronomy to rapidly alternate between two photographic plates of the same area of the sky to detect moving or variable objects.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A historical optical instrument used in astronomy to rapidly alternate between two photographic plates of the same area of the sky to detect moving or variable objects.
Any device or software application that functions by rapidly switching (blinking) between two similar images or data sets to facilitate visual comparison and highlight differences.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences; the term is identical and used identically in both technical communities.
Connotations
Strongly connotes historical astronomy, plate photography, and meticulous manual observation. Has a slightly archaic feel.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both varieties, confined to historical accounts of astronomy or specialized technical writing on comparison techniques.
Grammar
How to Use “blink comparator” in a Sentence
The [astronomer] used a blink comparator to [find/discover] [celestial object].[Discovery] was made with a blink comparator.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “blink comparator” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The researcher planned to blink-comparator the two photographic plates.
- They blink-comparatored the entire sky survey.
American English
- They planned to run the images through a blink comparator software.
- The team blink-compared the datasets.
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverbial form)
American English
- (No standard adverbial form)
adjective
British English
- The blink-comparator technique was labour-intensive.
- It was a blink-comparator discovery.
American English
- The blink comparator method led to the discovery.
- He was an expert in blink-comparator analysis.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in historical accounts of astronomy, physics, or the history of science.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Used to describe a specific historical instrument or the general 'blink comparison' technique in fields like astronomy, microscopy, or image analysis.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “blink comparator”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “blink comparator”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “blink comparator”
- Using it as a general term for any comparator. Confusing it with a 'stereoscope' (which shows a 3D image, not an alternating one). Spelling as 'blink comparer' or 'blink comparitor'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is most famous for being the instrument used by Clyde Tombaugh to discover the dwarf planet Pluto in 1930.
The original mechanical/optical instruments are largely museum pieces. The core *function* of rapidly alternating between images for comparison is now performed by software in various fields.
It refers to the rapid, alternating switching (like a blink of an eye) between the two images being compared, which makes moving or changing objects appear to 'jump' or blink.
Yes, in an extended, often descriptive sense. One might refer to a 'blink comparator function' in software for comparing medical scans, satellite images, or versions of a document to highlight changes.
A historical optical instrument used in astronomy to rapidly alternate between two photographic plates of the same area of the sky to detect moving or variable objects.
Blink comparator is usually technical/specialist in register.
Blink comparator: in British English it is pronounced /ˈblɪŋk kəmˈpær.ə.tə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈblɪŋk kəmˈper.ə.t̬ɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(none directly associated)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a detective rapidly switching between two nearly identical photos to spot the difference. An astronomer does the same with star photos, and their machine BLINKS back and forth like an eye to COMPARE them.
Conceptual Metaphor
A MECHANICAL EYE that winks to reveal secrets.
Practice
Quiz
In a modern context, 'blink comparator' most likely refers to: