planimeter

[ pluh-nim-i-ter ]

noun

1. an instrument for measuring mechanically the area of plane figures.

planimeter

/ plæˈnɪmɪtə /

noun

1. a mechanical integrating instrument for measuring the area of an irregular plane figure, such as the area under a curve, by moving a point attached to an arm around the perimeter of the figure

Word History and Origins

Origin of planimeter¹

First recorded in 1855–60; plani- + -meter

Example Sentences

Measuring the card with a planimeter shows the mean effective pressure to be 48.2 pounds.

From Project Gutenberg

The planimeter is an instrument for measuring areas in general, and especially for measuring the areas of indicator cards.

From Project Gutenberg

At least two such readings were taken for each home range; then these planimeter values were converted into square feet.

From Project Gutenberg

If he has no planimeter, a delicate balance will serve just as well.

From Project Gutenberg

The construction of a second funicular may be dispensed with by the employment of a planimeter, as follows.

From Project Gutenberg