seismometer

[sahyz-mom-i-ter, sahys-]

noun

1. a seismograph equipped for measuring the direction, intensity, and duration of earthquakes by measuring the actual movement of the ground.

seismometer

1. A detecting device that receives seismic impulses. It is the detecting component of a seismograph.

2. See more at seismograph

Other Word Forms

• seismometric adjective
• seismometrical adjective
• seismometry noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of seismometer¹

First recorded in 1835–45; seismo- + -meter

Example Sentences

The researchers developed a new approach for tracking groundwater levels by repurposing seismic data from California’s earthquake monitoring network, which includes dozens of highly sensitive seismometers in the region.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

A small team flew to Erebus last month to begin burying a fresh set of seismometers where they will be protected from wind noise.

Read more on Science Magazine

To plumb deeper structure all the way down to Earth’s core, SinoProbe II will rely on several thousand “passive” seismometers across China, listening for earthquakes near and far.

Read more on Science Magazine

Volcanic activity is usually monitored by tools like seismometers.

Read more on BBC

The lander carried a seismometer, which recorded four years' of vibrations - Mars quakes - from deep inside the Red Planet.

Read more on BBC