Dispersive

/dɪˈspɜːrsɪv/ adjective

Definition

Having the power or tendency to scatter, spread, or separate; relating to the separation of light by wavelength.

Etymology

From disperse + -ive (Latin -ivus, forming adjectives indicating tendency or action). Used in physics to describe materials that separate light.

Kelly Says

Crown glass is highly dispersive, which is why it creates those beautiful colored fringes around objects when you look through thick lenses—it's the same 'problem' that made early telescopes show rainbow halos around stars.

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