Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
Rayleigh disk

Rayleigh disk

9.9
A light disk hung on a thread that measures sound wave speed by turning when sound pushes it
  • noun
  • /ˈreɪli dɪsk/
  • Specialized
translation icon : disco Rayleigh
  • We used a Rayleigh disk to measure sound velocity.

Examples

  • With a Rayleigh disk, researchers can detect the torque caused by sound waves.

  • The scientist used a Rayleigh disk to analyze the velocity profile of the acoustic field.

  • A Rayleigh disk demonstrates the relationship between sound wave pressure and particle velocity.

  • Because of its sensitivity, the Rayleigh disk became a fundamental tool in early acoustic research.

  • The Rayleigh disk is essential in acoustics research.

  • The scientist used a Rayleigh disk to measure the velocity of sound waves in the air.

  • In the laboratory, a Rayleigh disk helped students understand sound wave behavior.

Surface Forms

Rayleigh disk singular
Rayleigh disks plural

Morphology

Rayleigh + disk

‘Rayleigh’ is a proper name/eponym that does not convey the function or meaning of the term to a B1 learner, while ‘disk’ only indicates a round shape. The specific technical sense (an acoustic instrument for measuring sound velocity) cannot be derived from the constituents, so the expression is opaque to learners who only know the component words.

Etymology

Rayleigh disk is named after the scientist Lord Rayleigh and refers to a simple instrument: a light disk hung on a thread that sound waves can make turn. Because the disk really moves when sound pushes it, it was used 'to measure the speed of sound', so that clear image explains the name.