gravimeter

noun

gra·​vi·​me·​ter gra-ˈvi-mə-tər How to pronounce gravimeter (audio) ˈgra-və-ˌmē- How to pronounce gravimeter (audio)
: a sensitive weighing instrument for measuring variations in a gravitational field (as of a planet)

Examples of gravimeter in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
The researchers’ simulations found that such signals could be detectable in orbital data from Global Navigation Satellite Systems, as well as gravimeters that measure variations in Earth’s gravitational field. Clara Moskowitz, Scientific American, 24 Sep. 2024 The same trick doesn’t work over floating ice, so each aircraft carries a gravimeter to determine how much water is below the ice. IEEE Spectrum, 28 Jan. 2013 Also at Rimpac, Vector Atomic demonstrated a compact quantum gravimeter paired with a standard inertial navigation system that promises to allow naval ships to navigate without GPS. Jeremy Bogaisky, Forbes, 13 Feb. 2023 And a gravimeter picks up tiny changes in Earth’s gravitational field, perfectly mapping the seafloor’s rocky bottom. Eric Betz, Discover Magazine, 19 May 2017 Enviroscan’s gravimeter also indicated a large metallic mass with the density of gold, according to Warren Getler, who worked closely with the Paradas and the FBI. Time, 9 Mar. 2021

Word History

Etymology

earlier, "device for determining the specific gravity of a substance," borrowed from French gravimètre, from gravi- gravi- + -mètre -meter

First Known Use

1932, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gravimeter was in 1932

Dictionary Entries Near gravimeter

Cite this Entry

“Gravimeter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gravimeter. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

gravimeter

noun
gra·​vi·​me·​ter gra-ˈvim-ət-ər How to pronounce gravimeter (audio) ˈgrav-ə-ˌmēt- How to pronounce gravimeter (audio)
: an instrument for measuring differences in the force of gravity at different places

Medical Definition

gravimeter

noun
gra·​vi·​me·​ter gra-ˈvim-ət-ər How to pronounce gravimeter (audio) ˈgrav-ə-ˌmēt-ər How to pronounce gravimeter (audio)
: a device similar to a hydrometer for determining specific gravity

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