Having or exhibiting birefringence; describing materials through which light travels at different speeds depending on direction and polarization.
Adjective form of 'birefringence.' Derived from Latin 'bi-' (two) and 'fringent' (breaking). Established in 19th-century optical physics terminology.
Natural birefringent crystals like tourmaline were used for early light polarizers—ancient Vikings and Inuit peoples may have used them for navigation. Today, they're essential for LCD screens, 3D glasses, and scientific instruments.
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