adjective

• 1Relating to, using, or denoting lenses that transmit light without separating it into constituent colours.

  ‘achromatic microscopes’

  More example sentences

  • ‘a lens of achromatic construction’
  • ‘The modern achromatic compound microscope was invented in 1878, and it was this instrument that added the extra dimension of the microscopic study of tissues to anatomical teaching.’
  • ‘The 'Barlow lens', a modification of this telescope lens, is a negative achromatic combination of flint glass and crown glass.’
  • ‘This behavior is also common in two-material waveplates such as achromatic waveplates constructed from quartz and magnesium fluoride plates.’
  • ‘He also experimented with making an achromatic telescope.’
  • ‘The invention is applicable, in particular, to the production of a main beam with a blurred, achromatic, cut-off at the bottom; this beam may be autonomous, or it may be complementary to a dipped or passing beam.’
  • ‘The system had to be achromatic and diffraction limited for two specific wavelengths spaced about 35 nm apart.’

• 2literary Without colour.

  ‘the achromatic gloom’

  More example sentences

  • ‘Lincoln checked her watch and nodded as an emaciated gray bus spluttered dead; pausing on its way to the ring of featureless, achromatic roads which led to the main structure of South Street ferry port.’
  • ‘Random branches hung aimlessly above her head and the neighbors' rose bushes stretched thinly across their metal fence like an achromatic spider web.’
  • ‘The ocean, also rather achromatic, kissed the foundation of the towering building, spraying up to the pediment.’
  • ‘Hints of desaturated color threaten the pure achromatic palette.’
  • ‘This stark and achromatic poem is a world away from the graceful and well-tuned lyrics with which Campbell began his career.’

  Synonyms

  pale, pastel, light-toned