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Glite Dictionary
🔬 Optical method 🌫️ Density streaks 💨 To form streaks
schlieren

schlieren

1 9.9
Streaks in clear materials that show areas of different density when light passes through
  • noun
  • /ˈʃliːrən/
  • Specialized
: estrías
  • The scientist observed schlieren in the heated air above the candle flame.

Examples

  • Imperfections in the glass created visible schlieren that affected the clarity of the lens.

  • Special lighting techniques revealed schlieren patterns in the transparent plastic sheet.

  • The schlieren in the glass made the object appear distorted.

  • Can you see the schlieren effects in the hot air?

  • The scientist observed schlieren in the heated air above the candle flame.

  • Special lighting techniques revealed schlieren patterns in the transparent plastic sheet.

  • Imperfections in the glass created visible schlieren that affected the clarity of the lens.

Synonyms

streak
vsschlieren
38 2.6

A long thin line of color or light on something

is caused by density variations in transparent material visible when lit
streakiness
vsschlieren
1 6.5

Visible lines or marks on a surface that make it look uneven

is a visual pattern caused by density differences in clear material under light

Surface Forms

schlieren singular
schlierens plural

Etymology

Schlieren comes from the German Schliere, meaning 'streak' or 'smear'. It now refers to the streaks or bands you can see in glass, plastic, or air when light reveals areas with different density, so schlieren are simply visible streaks in a clear material.