dispersive power: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “dispersive power” mean?
A measure of a transparent material's ability to separate white light into its constituent colours by refraction.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A measure of a transparent material's ability to separate white light into its constituent colours by refraction.
In a broader context, it can metaphorically refer to the ability of any system or medium to separate or differentiate components based on their properties.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant linguistic differences. The term is used identically in British and American scientific communities.
Connotations
None beyond its technical meaning.
Frequency
Extremely rare outside of optical physics and related engineering fields.
Grammar
How to Use “dispersive power” in a Sentence
The dispersive power of [Material] is [Value].[Material] has a [high/low] dispersive power.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “dispersive power” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- No verb form.
American English
- No verb form.
adverb
British English
- No adverb form.
American English
- No adverb form.
adjective
British English
- The flint glass exhibited strong dispersive properties.
American English
- Crown glass is known for its low-dispersive character.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used exclusively in physics and optical engineering textbooks, papers, and lectures.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
The primary context. Used to specify lens materials, prism design, and optical instrument performance.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “dispersive power”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “dispersive power”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dispersive power”
- Using it as a general synonym for 'scattering' (e.g., 'the dispersive power of the crowd').
- Confusing it with 'resolution' or 'magnifying power'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Refractive index measures how much light bends. Dispersive power measures how much the refractive index *varies* for different colours, causing the separation.
It is not standard. While it could be a metaphorical extension (e.g., 'the dispersive power of the analysis'), it would be considered jargon and potentially confusing.
It is a dimensionless ratio, typically calculated as (n_F - n_C) / (n_D - 1), where n_F, n_C, and n_D are refractive indices at specific wavelengths.
Diamond has one of the highest dispersive powers of any natural material, which contributes to its famous 'fire' or sparkle.
A measure of a transparent material's ability to separate white light into its constituent colours by refraction.
Dispersive power is usually technical/scientific in register.
Dispersive power: in British English it is pronounced /dɪˈspɜː.sɪv ˈpaʊə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /dɪˈspɝː.sɪv ˈpaʊɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No idioms for this term.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a DISPERSE-ive crowd scattering in different directions. A prism's DISPERSIVE POWER scatters light into different colours.
Conceptual Metaphor
SEPARATION IS POWER (The 'power' to separate light into its components).
Practice
Quiz
What does 'dispersive power' quantify?