[Irreg. f. Gr. σπινθαρίς spark: see -SCOPE.] An instrument in which the rays emitted from the metal radium are evidenced by the production of tiny sparks.
1903. Sir W. Crookes, in Science, 26 June, 1002. I propose to call this little instrument the ‘spinthariscope.’
1904. W. H. Pollock, in Longm. Mag., Dec., 126. He was as full … of vivacity as a spinthariscope.
