dry-bulb temperature

[drahy-buhlb tem-per-uh-cher, tem-per-cher, tem-puh-cher]

noun

Meteorology.

1. the temperature measured by a dry-bulb thermometer, representing the ambient temperature without calculating the effect of humidity. DBT

Word History and Origins

Origin of dry-bulb temperature¹

First recorded in 1840–50

Example Sentences

It’s generally much lower than the dry-bulb temperature, and it’s a better indicator of the humid heat that humans and other large mammals find hardest to deal with.

Read more on National Geographic

It’s called that because it can be measured with a thermometer wrapped in a wet cloth, distinguishing it from the commonly reported dry-bulb temperature, measured in open air.

Read more on New York Times