tensiometer

American  

[ten-see-om-i-ter] / ˌtɛn siˈɒm ɪ tər /

noun

1. an instrument for measuring longitudinal stress in wires, structural beams, etc.

2. an instrument for measuring the surface tension of a liquid.

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tensiometer British  

/ ˌtɛnsɪˈɒmɪtə /

noun

1. an instrument for measuring the tensile strength of a wire, beam, etc

2. a device that measures differences in vapour pressures. It is used to determine transition points by observing changes of vapour pressure with temperature

3. an instrument for measuring the surface tension of a liquid, usually consisting of a sensitive balance for measuring the force needed to pull a wire ring from the surface of the liquid

4. an instrument for measuring the moisture content of soil

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Etymology

Origin of tensiometer

First recorded in 1910–15; tensio(n) + -meter

Example Sentences

The basic concept has been used for years in a soil instrument called a tensiometer.

From Forbes

One such tool is the tensiometer: a porous, ceramic bulb attached to a color-coded meter that reflects the moisture content of soil.

From Scientific American