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radiometer
noun
ra·di·om·e·ter
ˌrā-dē-ˈä-mə-tər
: an instrument for detecting and usually for measuring the intensity of radiant energy
Examples of radiometer in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Juno is also equipped with a handful of other scientific instruments, including an energetic particle detector, an ultraviolet imaging spectrograph and a microwave radiometer.
—Will Sullivan, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 Jan. 2024
Wolf and his startup, Arable, intend to market the gadget as a $500 replacement for $10,000 weather stations with $5000 net radiometers.
—IEEE Spectrum, 12 July 2016
Visible and infrared cameras capture outermost details, while magnetometers and a microwave radiometer (along with detectors tuned for various types of energetic particles) gather information on the flurry of electromagnetic activity infusing the planet.
—Nathaniel Scharping, Discover Magazine, 25 May 2017
The scanners employ a millimeter wave radiometer which uses radio frequency waves to image visitors.
—Joseph Calamia, Discover Magazine, 5 Aug. 2010
That includes tools such as a microwave radiometer to quantify the amount of liquid in the atmosphere as well as a LIDAR ceilometer to record the size of clouds.
—San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Feb. 2023
The rover also used a magnetometer to test the strength of the asteroid’s magnetic field, and recorded its surface temperature with a high-powered radiometer, which will help determine how well Ryugu holds onto heat.
—Amber Jorgenson, Discover Magazine, 5 Oct. 2018
Orbiting Jupiter since July 2016, the craft is using its infrared spectrometer and microwave radiometer to search for signs of water and its abundances.
—Amber Jorgenson, Discover Magazine, 31 Aug. 2018
For example, the spacecraft's microwave radiometer will look into Europa’s crust, obtaining data on its icy composition and temperature.
—Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 29 Sep. 2022
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'radiometer.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1875, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near radiometer
Cite this Entry
“Radiometer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/radiometer. Accessed 4 Jul. 2024.
Kids Definition
radiometer
noun
ra·di·om·e·ter
ˌrād-ē-ˈäm-ət-ər
: an instrument for measuring the strength of radiant energy
radiometric
adjective
ˌrād-ē-ō-ˈme-trik
Medical Definition
radiometer
noun
ra·di·om·e·ter
ˌrād-ē-ˈäm-ət-ər
More from Merriam-Webster on radiometer
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about radiometer
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