polarimeter: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “polarimeter” mean?
An instrument for measuring the angle of rotation of the plane of polarised light passing through a substance.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An instrument for measuring the angle of rotation of the plane of polarised light passing through a substance.
Any device used in polarimetry, the quantitative measurement of optical activity or the degree of polarisation of light, crucial in chemistry, physics, and materials science for analysing chiral compounds, sugar concentrations, and crystal structures.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Spelling conventions follow standard British/American patterns for other parts of the sentence.
Connotations
Identical technical connotations.
Frequency
Equally rare outside specialised scientific contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “polarimeter” in a Sentence
The [scientist/technician] used a polarimeter to determine the [concentration/optical activity] of the [solution/sample].A polarimeter measures [optical rotation].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “polarimeter” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- They needed to polarimetrically analyse the compound.
- The sample was polarimetrically measured.
American English
- They needed to perform a polarimetric analysis on the compound.
- The solution was analyzed polarimetrically.
adverb
British English
- The solution was analysed polarimetrically.
American English
- They measured the rotation polarimetrically.
adjective
British English
- The polarimetric readings were conclusive.
- They followed a polarimetric method.
American English
- The polarimetric data was conclusive.
- They used a polarimetric technique.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Almost never used, except potentially in sales of laboratory equipment.
Academic
Common in advanced chemistry, biochemistry, and physics textbooks and research papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Standard term in analytical chemistry labs, pharmaceutical quality control, and sugar industry.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “polarimeter”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “polarimeter”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “polarimeter”
- Misspelling as 'polarometer' (which is for measuring polar bears? No, but 'polarometer' is sometimes a non-standard variant).
- Confusing with 'photometer' or 'spectrometer'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A spectrophotometer measures the intensity of light absorbed by a sample at different wavelengths. A polarimeter measures the rotation of the plane of polarised light by a sample.
Primarily in the sugar industry (as a saccharimeter), pharmaceutical industry (for chiral drug analysis), and chemical research for studying optically active compounds.
It identifies a substance and indicates its purity or concentration. It is a physical property characteristic of a chiral molecule under specific conditions.
Indirectly. If the measured optical rotation does not match the expected specific rotation for a pure compound, it suggests the presence of impurities or the opposite enantiomer.
An instrument for measuring the angle of rotation of the plane of polarised light passing through a substance.
Polarimeter is usually technical/scientific in register.
Polarimeter: in British English it is pronounced /ˌpəʊləˈrɪmɪtə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌpoʊləˈrɪmɪtər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “N/A”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: POLARised light METER (measuring device) = polarimeter.
Conceptual Metaphor
A detective for molecular handedness (chirality).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a polarimeter?