altimeter

American  

[al-tim-i-ter, al-tuh-mee-ter] / ælˈtɪm ɪ tər, ˈæl təˌmi tər /

noun

1. a sensitive aneroid barometer that is graduated and calibrated, used chiefly in aircraft for finding distance above sea level, terrain, or some other reference point by a comparison of air pressures.

2. any device used for the same purpose that operates by some other means, as by radio waves.

---

altimeter British  

/ ælˈtɪmɪtə, ˈæltɪˌmiːtə /

noun

1. an instrument that indicates height above sea level, esp one based on an aneroid barometer and fitted to an aircraft

---

altimeter Scientific  

/ ăl-tĭm′ĭ-tər /

1. An instrument that measures and indicates the height above sea level at which an object, such as an airplane, is located.

---

Etymology

Origin of altimeter

First recorded in 1820–30; alti- + -meter

Example Sentences

This is done using a specific type of satellite called an altimeter, which sends down radar pulses to very precisely measure the height of the ice surface.

From BBC

This veteran spacecraft carries a radar altimeter able to sense how much of a berg's bulk is above the waterline.

From BBC

She declined a jumpsuit but accepted an altimeter.

From Seattle Times

In late June, 190 of Delta’s roughly 900 planes lacked the upgraded altimeters.

From Washington Times

Delta said all planes in service have now been updated while a few aircraft are out of service for planned maintenance and will be equipped with 5G-compliant radio altimeters as they return to service.

From Reuters