micrometer

¹ American  

[mahy-krom-i-ter] / maɪˈkrɒm ɪ tər /

especially British, micrometre

noun

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

2. Also called micrometer caliper.  Also called mike.  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.

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micrometer ² American  

[mahy-kroh-mee-ter] / ˈmaɪ kroʊˌmi tər /

noun

1. micron.

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micrometer British  

/ maɪˈkrɒmɪtə, ˌmaɪkrəʊˈmɛtrɪk /

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

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micrometer ¹ Scientific  

/ mī′krō-mē′tər /

1. A unit of length in the metric system equal to one millionth (10 ^{- 6}) of a meter.

2. Also called micron

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micrometer ² Scientific  

/ mī-krŏm′ĭ-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.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• micrometric
  adjective
• micrometry
  noun

Etymology

Origin of micrometer¹

First recorded in 1660–70; micro- + -meter

Origin of micrometer²

micro- + meter ¹

Example Sentences

Micrometer, mī-krom′e-tėr, n. an instrument for measuring minute distances or angles.—adjs.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 2 of 4: E-M) by Various

Micrometer, any instrument for the accurate measurement of very small distances or angles.

From Recreations in Astronomy With Directions for Practical Experiments and Telescopic Work by Warren, Henry White

The numbers contained in the columns headed "Position of Deflected Image," "Position of Slit," and displacement of image in divisions were obtained as described in the paragraph headed "Micrometer," page 120.

From Experimental Determination of the Velocity of Light Made at the U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis by Michelson, Albert A.

Micrometer dials were then engaged and the delicate tuning continued until the meters gave evidence that the two beams were precisely synchronized and exactly opposite in phase.

From Spacehounds of IPC by Smith, E. E. (Edward Elmer)

Small Position Micrometer for 3" to 4" Telescopes.

From Astronomical Instruments and Accessories by William Gaertner and Company