magnetometer

[mag-ni-tom-i-ter]

noun

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

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

magnetometer

/ ˌmæɡnɪˈtɒmɪtə, ˌmæɡnɪtəʊˈmɛtrɪk /

noun

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

magnetometer

1. 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.

2. See also magnetic reversal

Other Word Forms

• magnetometric adjective
• magnetometry noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of magnetometer¹

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

Example Sentences

Biercuk said there is no realistic way to jam quantum magnetometers or gravimeters from a distance, short of an energy pulse that would fry all the electronics on a plane and cause it to crash.

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Year after year, aided by improved magnetometers that detected metal objects at deeper locations than ever before, more and more of the sunken vessel was uncovered.

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"Using quantum clocks, gyroscopes and magnetometers enables us to create a resilience against jamming and spoofing of our vital navigational systems."

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The in-situ package includes a magnetometer and particle detectors to sample the solar wind and interplanetary magnetic field directly.

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To use a magnetometer from a drone, researchers have to suspend the sensor from a 9-foot cable.

Read more on Science Daily