thermocouple

noun

ther·​mo·​cou·​ple ˈthər-mə-ˌkə-pəl How to pronounce thermocouple (audio)
: 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
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 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 This is a pocket-sized version of the thermocouple above—and it’s also a hit, with an average 4.8 stars from more than 12,780 customers. Rachel Klein, Popular Mechanics, 22 Nov. 2022 To test heat retention, a thermocouple (a thin, wire-like thermometer) is inserted into each mug. Sarah Wharton, Good Housekeeping, 16 Sep. 2022 Your pilot light can go out because of a build-up of debris or because your thermocouple goes out. Dallas News, 26 Jan. 2021 Your thermocouple is right next to your pilot light and can stop working because there is no metal to metal contact. Dallas News, 26 Jan. 2021

Word History

First Known Use

1890, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of thermocouple was in 1890

Dictionary Entries Near thermocouple

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

thermocouple

noun
ther·​mo·​cou·​ple ˈthər-mə-ˌkəp-əl How to pronounce thermocouple (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce thermocouple (audio)
: 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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