First Known Use: 1633
Dictionary
thermometer
noun ther·mom·e·ter \thə(r)-ˈmä-mə-tər\
: an instrument used for measuring temperature
Full Definition of THERMOMETER
: an instrument for determining temperature; especially : one consisting of a glass bulb attached to a fine tube of glass with a numbered scale and containing a liquid (as mercury or colored alcohol) that is sealed in and rises and falls with changes of temperature
— ther·mo·met·ric \ˌthər-mə-ˈme-trik\ adjective
— ther·mo·met·ri·cal·ly \-tri-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
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Origin of THERMOMETER
French thermomètre, from Greek thermē heat + French -o- + -mètre -meter — more at therm
Rhymes with THERMOMETER
THERMOMETER Defined for Kids
thermometer
noun ther·mom·e·ter \thər-ˈmä-mə-tər, thə-ˈmä-\
Definition of THERMOMETER for Kids
: an instrument for measuring temperature
Word Root of THERMOMETER
The Greek word metron, meaning “measure,” gives us the root metr. Words from the Greek metron have something to do with measuring. A thermometer is an instrument that measures temperature. A diameter is the measurement across the center of a circle. The metric system is a system used for measuring size, weight, and volume. A perimeter is the measurement of the outside of a figure or shape.
Medical Dictionary
thermometer
noun ther·mom·e·ter \thə(r)-ˈmäm-ət-ər\
Medical Definition of THERMOMETER
: an instrument for determining temperature that usually consists either of a device providing a digital readout or of a glass bulb attached to a fine tube of glass with a numbered scale and containing a liquid (as mercury or colored alcohol) that is sealed in and rises and falls with changes of temperature
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