magnetometer

American  

[mag-ni-tom-i-ter] / ˌmæg nɪˈtɒm ɪ tər /

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.

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magnetometer British  

/ ˌmæɡnɪˈtɒmɪtə, ˌmæɡnɪtəʊˈmɛtrɪk /

noun

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

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magnetometer Scientific  

/ măg′nĭ-tŏm′ĭ-tər /

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

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Other Word Forms

• magnetometric adjective
• magnetometry noun

Etymology

Origin of magnetometer

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

Example Sentences

In Griffith, Q-CTRL engineers tested three magnetometers in different locations on the airplane, given that the external interference in each spot is different.

From The Wall Street Journal

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.

From Literature

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

From BBC

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

From Science Daily

If there aren't any, they walk in a grid or spiral pattern carrying a magnetometer, which measures magnetic fields.

From Science Daily