Diascopic

adjectiveStandard termLighting

An optical system where light passes directly through the object being viewed.

Describes an illumination method or optical device where light is transmitted through a transparent or translucent subject rather than bouncing off it. In microscopy and projection systems, diascopic lighting reveals internal structures and density variations. It contrasts with episcopic systems, which rely on reflected light to show surface details.

Heard on the job

Use diascopic illumination for the slide so we can see the internal cell structure clearly.

Also heard as

  • transmitted light