noun
- visible streaks or bands in a transparent medium caused by variations in density or refractive index
Usage: physics; optics
Examples
- The schlieren above the hot pavement made the road appear wavy.
- Scientists use schlieren photography to visualize airflow patterns.
- Heat rising from the candle flame created visible schlieren in the air.
- The schlieren technique reveals shock waves around supersonic aircraft.
- Schlieren imaging helps engineers study combustion processes.
- The optical schlieren made it difficult to see clearly through the heated glass.