penetrometer

American  

[pen-i-trom-i-ter] / ˌpɛn ɪˈtrɒm ɪ tər /

noun

1. a device for measuring the penetrating power of x-ray or other radiations.

2. a device for measuring the penetrability of a solid.

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penetrometer British  

/ ˌpɛnɪˈtrɒmɪtə /

noun

1. physics an instrument used to measure the penetrating power of radiation, such as X-rays

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penetrometer Scientific  

/ pĕn′ĭ-trŏm′ĭ-tər /

1. A device for measuring the penetrating power of electromagnetic radiation, especially x-rays.

2. A device for measuring the denseness, compaction, or penetrability of a substance, such as soil, agricultural produce, or semisolid petroleum products. A penetrometer typically measures the resistance of the substance to penetration to a given depth by a weight-driven cone or needle of a given shape.

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Etymology

Origin of penetrometer

First recorded in 1900–05; penetr(ate) + -o- + -meter

Example Sentences

As Luke Skywalker to John's Yoda, he was handed the responsibility of building the part of the experiment that would make first contact with the surface of Titan, the aptly named "penetrometer".

From The Guardian • Apr. 8, 2011

Lorenz was given the job of designing the Huygens penetrometer, the part of the spacecraft that would make first contact with the surface of Titan.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2011

Ralph Lorenz recalls: "The penetrometer record indicated that some kind of crust was present, and then we'd pushed into the surface without much resistance."

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2011

I am, as you are, a deeply serious punter with a cool, clear gaze, moved only by sectional times and penetrometer readings.

From The Guardian • Mar. 25, 2011