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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 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
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Word History
First Known Use
1890, in the meaning defined above
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
: 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
More from Merriam-Webster on thermocouple
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about thermocouple
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