gravimeter

American  

[gruh-vim-i-ter] / grəˈvɪm ɪ tər /

noun

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

2. 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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gravimeter British  

/ ɡrəˈvɪmɪtə /

noun

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

2. an instrument for measuring relative density

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gravimeter Scientific  

/ gră-vĭm′ĭ-tər /

1. 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.

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

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Other Word Forms

• gravimetry noun

Etymology

Origin of gravimeter

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

Example Sentences

One day in December, a handful of geologists trekked about the site carrying a gravimeter, a blocky instrument that weighs about 25 pounds and is used for surveys.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 21, 2026

The way in which the gravimeter was used in this case — more than 50 measurements on a flat surface — “is like a fingerprint,” Getler said.

From Washington Post • Jun. 28, 2021

John Louie, a geophysics professor at the University of Nevada, Reno, unconnected to the dig, said the gravimeter is a powerful tool that can yield important clues about what’s underground.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 8, 2021

John Louie, a geophysics professor at the University of Nevada, Reno, unconnected to the dig, said the gravimeter is a powerful tool that can yield important clues about what’s underground.

From Washington Times • Mar. 8, 2021

Sunrise number two adds a touch of blush to the ice pack, as the lasers, radars and gravimeter collect data simultaneously.

From Nature • Nov. 20, 2018