magnetometer

[ mag-ni-tom-i-ter ]

/ ˌmæg nɪˈtɒm ɪ tər /

Save This Word!

noun

an instrument for measuring the intensity of a magnetic field, especially the earth's magnetic field.

an instrument for detecting the presence of ferrous or magnetic materials, especially one used to detect concealed weapons at airports.

QUIZ

ALL IN FAVO(U)R OF THIS BRITISH VS. AMERICAN ENGLISH QUIZ

There's an ocean of difference between the way people speak English in the US vs. the UK. Are your language skills up to the task of telling the difference? Let's find out!

Question 1 of 7

True or false? British English and American English are only different when it comes to slang words.

true

false

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of magnetometer

First recorded in 1820–30; magneto- + -meter

OTHER WORDS FROM magnetometer

mag·ne·to·met·ric

[mag-nee-tuh-me-trik], /mægˌni təˈmɛ trɪk/, adjectivemag·ne·tom·e·try, noun

Words nearby magnetometer

magnetograph, magnetohydrodynamic generation, magnetohydrodynamics, magnetohydromagnetic wave, magnetomechanical ratio, magnetometer, magnetomotive, magnetomotive force, magneton, magnetooptic, magnetooptics

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

How to use magnetometer in a sentence

We then used an ultrasensitive superconducting magnetometer and a special carbon dioxide laser to rapidly heat those samples in a way that avoids altering their iron minerals.
New Study Suggests Moon Lacked a Magnetic Field for Nearly All Its History|John Tarduno|August 8, 2021|Singularity Hub
His magnetometer was deceptively simple, consisting of two bar magnets, one suspended in the air by a fiber and one placed a known distance away.
A WWII submarine-hunting device helped prove the theory of plate tectonics|Carolyn Gramling|July 2, 2021|Science News
Among these new technologies was a small, portable device known as a fluxgate magnetometer.
A WWII submarine-hunting device helped prove the theory of plate tectonics|Carolyn Gramling|July 2, 2021|Science News
In a fluxgate magnetometer, instead of a spinning needle like in a compass, a bar of iron is wrapped in two coils of wire.
A WWII submarine-hunting device helped prove the theory of plate tectonics|Carolyn Gramling|July 2, 2021|Science News

Another Republican lawmaker referred to the magnetometers as “atrocities,” according to the Washington Post.
Congress Remains as Divided as Ever After Deadly Capitol Attack|Lissandra Villa|January 20, 2021|Time
But another method of detecting the position of a metallic mass is by the use of the magnetometer.
The Journal of Submarine Commander von Forstner|Georg-Gnther von Forstner
A is the upper end of a glass tube, half a metre or so in length, which is clamped in a vertical position behind the magnetometer.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 17, Slice 3|Various
The wire is supported inside the glass tube A with its upper pole at the same height as the magnetometer needle.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 17, Slice 3|Various
With a good unifilar magnetometer, at a fixed observatory distant from the magnetic poles, having a fixed mark of Charts.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 17, Slice 3|Various
The apparatus may even be employed for measuring magnetic forces, as it constitutes a very sensitive magnetometer.
Scientific American Supplement, No. 421, January 26, 1884|Various

British Dictionary definitions for magnetometer

magnetometer

/ (ˌmæɡnɪˈtɒmɪtə) /

noun

any instrument for measuring the intensity or direction of a magnetic field, esp the earth's field

Derived forms of magnetometer

magnetometric (ˌmæɡnɪtəʊˈmɛtrɪk), adjectivemagnetometry, noun

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 magnetometer

magnetometer

[ măg′nĭ-tŏm′ĭ-tər ]

An instrument for measuring the magnitude and direction of a magnetic field. Magnetometers are often used in archaeological and geological investigations to determine the intensity and direction of the Earth's magnetic field at various times in the past by examining the strength and direction of magnetization of ferromagnetic materials in different geological strata. See also magnetic reversal.