A precision instrument that measures the amount of deflection or bending in materials, structures, or light paths.
Combines 'deflect' from Latin 'deflectere' with '-meter' from Greek 'metron' meaning 'measure'. This modern scientific instrument was named in the 20th century as precision measurement became crucial in engineering.
Deflectometers can detect microscopic bending in airplane wings or satellites—movements smaller than the width of a human hair. This technology is essential for catching structural problems before they become catastrophic failures.
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