collimator

noun

col·​li·​ma·​tor ˈkä-lə-ˌmā-tər How to pronounce collimator (audio)
1
: a device for producing a beam of parallel rays (as of light) or for forming an infinitely distant virtual image that can be viewed without parallax
2
: a device for obtaining a beam (as of particles) of limited cross section

Examples of collimator in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
After the battle, the Ukrainian soldiers went through their personal items and documents, and found a drone detector, an assault rifle with a collimator sight, and a Chinese-Russian Azart radio station. Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 7 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1865, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of collimator was in 1865

Dictionary Entries Near collimator

Cite this Entry

“Collimator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/collimator. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.

Medical Definition

collimator

noun
col·​li·​ma·​tor ˈkäl-ə-ˌmāt-ər How to pronounce collimator (audio)
: a device for obtaining a beam of radiation (as X-rays) of limited cross section

More from Merriam-Webster on collimator

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!