Definition of "polarimeter" [po•lar•im•e•ter]

• An instrument used to measure the rotation of the plane of polarization of polarized light passing through an optical structure or sample. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "And the only difference between the two drugs as far as detection goes is that, when viewed through an optical rotatory device called a polarimeter, dextromethorphan rotates light to the right, and levomethorphan rotates light to the left."
• "_ -- For this purpose a special instrument, known as a polarimeter, is required, details of the construction and use of which would be out of place here."
• "When that is done I place the extract into the polarimeter, which looks very much like a telescope."