adjective
- having the property of splitting a ray of light into two rays that travel at different speeds and in different directions
Usage: technical; physics and optics
Examples
- Calcite is a birefringent mineral that splits light into two beams.
- The birefringent properties of quartz make it useful in optical instruments.
- When light passes through a birefringent crystal, it separates into ordinary and extraordinary rays.
- Birefringent materials are essential components in polarizing filters.
- The scientist studied the birefringent behavior of the transparent polymer under the microscope.