tourmaline tongs

noun plural but sometimes singular in construction

: a simple form of polariscope consisting of two transparent plates of tourmaline cut parallel to the optic axis and mounted on a tongs-shaped support so that the object to be examined can be held between them and used especially by jewelers for distinguishing glass from crystal

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Dictionary Entries Near tourmaline tongs

Cite this Entry

“Tourmaline tongs.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tourmaline%20tongs. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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