penetrometer

[ pen-i-trom-i-ter ]

noun

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

penetrometer

/ ˌpɛnɪˈtrɒmɪtə /

noun

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

penetrometer

/ 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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of penetrometer¹

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