geophone

[ jee-uh-fohn ]

noun

1. a device that is placed on or in the ground and used to detect seismic waves.

geophone

/ jē′ə-fōn′ /

1. An electronic receiver designed to pick up seismic vibrations on or below the Earth's surface and to convert them into electric impulses that are proportional to the displacement, velocity, and acceleration of ground movement. Geophones detect motion in only one direction and are usually used in groups of at least three, oriented at different angles, so that a three-dimensional record of ground movement can be obtained.

Word History and Origins

Origin of geophone¹

First recorded in 1915–20; geo- + -phone

Example Sentences

"The vibrodyne machine isn't running," he remarked finally after repeated adjustments of the geophone.

From Project Gutenberg

Nothing at all of any value was being recorded by the geophone when Kennedy glanced quickly at his watch.

From Project Gutenberg

We entered our bare little room and Kennedy set to work as though to detach the geophone, while I explained it to our client.

From Project Gutenberg

The first geophone used by the western powers in the war was invented by the French.

From Project Gutenberg

If the enemy were burrowing in the ground anywhere within a distance of 75 yards the geophone would tell about it.

From Project Gutenberg