thermocouple
noun
ther·mo·cou·ple
ˈthər-mə-ˌkə-pəl 
: a device for measuring temperature in which a pair of wires of dissimilar metals (such as copper and iron) are joined and the free ends of the wires are connected to an instrument (such as a voltmeter) that measures the difference in potential created at the junction of the two metals
Examples of thermocouple in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The thermocouple sensor detects the heat from the pilot light and sends a signal to keep the gas valve open, but if the pilot light is extinguished, then the thermocouple will send a signal to the gas valve to stop the flow of gas to the pilot light.
—
Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Jan. 2025
These generators converted heat from the radioactive decay of plutonium-238 pellets directly into electricity using bimetallic thermocouples.
—Viktor T. Toth, IEEE Spectrum, 30 Nov. 2012
Test to make sure the thermocouple and gas valve are operating properly by extinguishing the pilot light flame and checking to ensure the flow of gas is stopped.
—Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Jan. 2025
Additionally, the pilot light can be extinguished by a faulty thermocouple.
—Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Nov. 2024
The thermocouple consists of two dissimilar metals, joined together at one end.
—IEEE Spectrum, 13 Dec. 2018
Plug the thermocouple into the meter to read air temperature, or insert the temperature probe to take temperature readings of liquids, gels or to track the surface temperature of a gas dryer.
—Joseph Truini, Popular Mechanics, 29 Mar. 2022
In the temperature test, thermocouples were placed on the pan surface while in use to evaluate whether the pans heated evenly.
—Rennie Dyball, Peoplemag, 16 Mar. 2023
The thermocouple relays the temperature of the coffee in the mug to software that tracks the heat level over a four-hour period.
—Sarah Wharton, Good Housekeeping, 16 Sep. 2022
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Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Jan. 2025
These generators converted heat from the radioactive decay of plutonium-238 pellets directly into electricity using bimetallic thermocouples.
—Viktor T. Toth, IEEE Spectrum, 30 Nov. 2012
Test to make sure the thermocouple and gas valve are operating properly by extinguishing the pilot light flame and checking to ensure the flow of gas is stopped.
—Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Jan. 2025
Additionally, the pilot light can be extinguished by a faulty thermocouple.
—Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Nov. 2024
The thermocouple consists of two dissimilar metals, joined together at one end.
—IEEE Spectrum, 13 Dec. 2018
Plug the thermocouple into the meter to read air temperature, or insert the temperature probe to take temperature readings of liquids, gels or to track the surface temperature of a gas dryer.
—Joseph Truini, Popular Mechanics, 29 Mar. 2022
In the temperature test, thermocouples were placed on the pan surface while in use to evaluate whether the pans heated evenly.
—Rennie Dyball, Peoplemag, 16 Mar. 2023
The thermocouple relays the temperature of the coffee in the mug to software that tracks the heat level over a four-hour period.
—Sarah Wharton, Good Housekeeping, 16 Sep. 2022
Cite this Entry
“Thermocouple.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thermocouple. Accessed 1 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
thermocouple
noun
ther·mo·cou·ple
ˈthər-mə-ˌkəp-əl
: a device for measuring temperature in which a pair of wires of different metals (as copper and iron) are joined and the free ends of the wires are connected to an instrument (as a voltmeter) that measures the difference in potential created at the junction of the two metals
Medical Definition
thermocouple
noun
ther·mo·cou·ple
ˈthər-mə-ˌkəp-əl
: a device for measuring temperature in which a pair of wires of dissimilar metals (as copper and iron) are joined and the free ends of the wires are connected to an instrument (as a voltmeter) that measures the difference in potential created at the junction of the two metals
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