goniometer

American  

[goh-nee-om-i-ter] / ˌgoʊ niˈɒm ɪ tər /

noun

1. an instrument for measuring solid angles, as of crystals.

---

goniometer British  

/ ˌɡəʊnɪˈɒmɪtə, ˌɡəʊnɪəˈmɛtrɪk /

noun

1. an instrument for measuring the angles between the faces of a crystal

2. an instrument consisting of a transformer circuit connected to two directional aerials, used to determine the bearing of a distant radio station

---

Other Word Forms

• goniometric adjective
• goniometrical adjective
• goniometrically adverb
• goniometry noun

Etymology

Origin of goniometer

First recorded in 1760–70; gonio- + -meter

Example Sentences

These disadvantages are overcome by adding still another graduated circle to the instrument, with its axis perpendicular to the axis of the vertical circle, thus forming a three-circle goniometer.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 12, Slice 2 "Gloss" to "Gordon, Charles George" by Various

Several improvements have been made on Wollaston’s goniometer.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 12, Slice 2 "Gloss" to "Gordon, Charles George" by Various

We bought a goniometer, and Dr. Wollaston, who often dined with us, taught Somerville and me how to use it, by measuring the angles of many of our crystals during the evening.

From Personal Recollections, from Early Life to Old Age, of Mary Somerville by Somerville, Mary

The instrument commonly employed for measuring the optic axial angle of biaxial crystals is really a combination of a goniometer with a polariscope.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 12, Slice 2 "Gloss" to "Gordon, Charles George" by Various

Wollaston in 1812, with the aid of his newly invented reflective goniometer, to be 74� 55′.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 4, Part 4 "Bulgaria" to "Calgary" by Various