gravimeter

[ gruh-vim-i-ter ]

/ grəˈvɪm ɪ tər /

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noun

an instrument for measuring the specific gravity of a solid or liquid.

Also called gravity meter. an instrument for measuring variations in the gravitational field of the earth by detecting differences in weight of an object of constant mass at different points on the earth's surface.

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Origin of gravimeter

1790–1800; <French gravimètre, equivalent to gravi- (combining form of Latin gravis heavy) + -mètre-meter

Words nearby gravimeter

graveyard stew, graveyard watch, gravicembalo, gravid, gravida, gravimeter, gravimetric, gravimetric analysis, gravimetry, graving dock, graving piece

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

British Dictionary definitions for gravimeter

gravimeter

/ (ɡrəˈvɪmɪtə) /

noun

an instrument for measuring the earth's gravitational field at points on its surface

an instrument for measuring relative density

Derived forms of gravimeter

gravimetry, noun

Word Origin for gravimeter

C18: from French gravimètre, from Latin gravis heavy

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for gravimeter

gravimeter

[ gră-vĭm′ĭ-tər ]

An instrument used to measure variations in a gravitational field, typically by measuring the rate of acceleration of a falling body. Gravimeters are used to survey geological features with different densities beneath the Earth's surface, such as ore-laden rock or oil fields, that affect the local strength of gravity above them.

An instrument, such as a hydrometer, used to measure the specific gravity of a liquid or solid.