1. An instrument that measures the diffraction of waves (such as X-rays or electrons) passing through a material to determine its crystal structure and atomic arrangement.
Usage: technical; commonly used in materials science, chemistry, and physics

Examples

• The researcher used a diffractometer to analyze the crystal structure of the mineral sample.
• X-ray diffractometers are essential tools in modern materials laboratories.
• The diffractometer revealed that the compound had a previously unknown crystalline phase.
• Scientists employed a neutron diffractometer to study the atomic positions in the alloy.
• The diffractometer data confirmed the purity and composition of the synthesized compound.