micrometer

1
[ mahy-krom-i-ter ]

noun
  1. any of various devices for measuring minute distances, angles, etc., as in connection with a telescope or microscope.

  2. Also called mike. micrometer caliper . a precision instrument with a spindle moved by a finely threaded screw, for the measurement of thicknesses and short lengths, commonly used by machinists for turning shafts or boring holes.

Origin of micrometer

1
First recorded in 1660–70; micro- + -meter
  • Also especially British, mi·crom·e·tre .

Words Nearby micrometer

Other definitions for micrometer (2 of 2)

micrometer2
[ mahy-kroh-mee-ter ]

Origin of micrometer

2

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use micrometer in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for micrometer

micrometer

/ (maɪˈkrɒmɪtə) /


noun
  1. any of various instruments or devices for the accurate measurement of distances or angles

  2. Also called: micrometer gauge, micrometer calliper a type of gauge for the accurate measurement of small distances, thicknesses, diameters, etc. The gap between its measuring faces is adjusted by a fine screw, the rotation of the screw giving a sensitive measure of the distance moved by the face

Derived forms of micrometer

  • micrometry, noun
  • micrometric (ˌmaɪkrəʊˈmɛtrɪk) or micrometrical, adjective

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for micrometer (1 of 2)

micrometer1

[ mī-krŏmĭ-tər ]


  1. A device for measuring very small distances, angles, or objects, especially one based on the rotation of a finely threaded screw, as in relation to a microscope.

Scientific definitions for micrometer (2 of 2)

micrometer2

[ krō-mē′tər ]


  1. A unit of length in the metric system equal to one millionth (10-6) of a meter. Also called micron

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