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Glite Dictionary
Tyndall effect

Tyndall effect

8.1
Light scattering by tiny particles that makes a beam visible, often blue
  • noun
  • /ˈtɪndəl ɪˈfɛkt/
  • Specialized
translation icon : efecto Tyndall
  • The Tyndall effect can be observed when sunlight streams through the forest, revealing dust and water droplets in the air.

Examples

  • The sky appears blue due to the Tyndall effect caused by the scattering of sunlight by atmospheric particles.

  • Look at the Tyndall effect!

  • In science class, we demonstrated the Tyndall effect using a flashlight and a glass of milk.

  • The Tyndall effect is fascinating.

  • The Tyndall effect causes the beam of light to appear blue as it passes through foggy air.

  • You can observe the Tyndall effect when sunlight filters through leaves, creating visible rays of light.

  • The Tyndall effect is why the sky appears blue during the day, as shorter wavelengths scatter more than longer ones.

Surface Forms

Tyndall effect singular
Tyndall effects plural

Morphology

Tyndall + effect

This term is an eponym: 'Tyndall' is a proper name with no semantic content for learners, while 'effect' only signals some result. A B1 learner who knows both words cannot derive that it specifically refers to light scattering by tiny particles, so the meaning is not predictable from the constituents.

Etymology

Tyndall effect is named after scientist John Tyndall, who showed that tiny particles in air or liquid make a beam of light visible by scattering it. So the name now means 'light being scattered by very small particles', which is why you can see sunbeams or a flashlight beam when dust or droplets are in the air.