interferometer
nounEtymology From interfer(e) + -o- + -meter.
1
Natural sciences, Physical sciences, Physics Any of several instruments that use the interference of waves to determine wavelengths and wave velocities, determine refractive indices, measure small distances, temperature changes, stresses, and many other useful measurements.
- Derived terms
- acoustic interferometer, astrointerferometer, Fizeau interferometer, intensity interferometer, Jamin interferometer, Mach-Zehnde interferometer, Mach-Zehnder interferometer, Michelson interferometer, Michelson stellar interferometer, neutron interferometer, radio interferometer, shearing interferometer, Twyman-Green interferometer
- Related terms
- interferometric, interferometrically, interferometry