Birefringence (also known as Birefringences, Double Refraction): The property of nonisotropic media, such as crystals, whereby a single incident beam of light traverses the medium as two beams, each plane-polarized, the planes being at right angles to each other. (Cline et al., Dictionary of Visual Science, 4th ed)

NIH MeSH · D001718Phenomena and Processes

Birefringence

Also known asBirefringences · Double Refraction · Double Refractions · Refraction, Double · Refractions, Double · Birefraction · Birefractions

Definition

The property of nonisotropic media, such as crystals, whereby a single incident beam of light traverses the medium as two beams, each plane-polarized, the planes being at right angles to each other. (Cline et al., Dictionary of Visual Science, 4th ed)

MeSH classification

  • G01.590.080

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Common questions about Birefringence

What does Birefringence mean in medicine?
The property of nonisotropic media, such as crystals, whereby a single incident beam of light traverses the medium as two beams, each plane-polarized, the planes being at right angles to each other. (Cline et al., Dictionary of Visual Science, 4th ed) This definition is taken from the National Library of Medicine's MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) 2026 release, which is the standard vocabulary used to index PubMed and most medical literature.
Is Birefringence known by any other names?
Yes. Birefringence is also referred to as Birefringences, Double Refraction, Double Refractions, Refraction, Double in different clinical, research and patient-facing contexts. The MeSH descriptor groups all of these synonyms under a single canonical concept so research and records stay consistent.
Where does Birefringence sit in the medical classification?
Birefringence falls under the broader medical category "Phenomena and Processes" in the MeSH hierarchy (tree numbers: G01.590.080). Browsing the related concepts on this page takes you to neighbouring topics in the same branch of medicine.
Where can I get a plain-language explanation of Birefringence?
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Source: NIH MeSH 2026 (D001718) — National Library of Medicine, public domain. View official MeSH record ↗