thermopile

American  

[thur-muh-pahyl] / ˈθɜr məˌpaɪl /

noun

Physics.

1. a device consisting of a number of thermocouples joined in series, used for generating thermoelectric current or for detecting and measuring radiant energy, as from a star.

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thermopile British  

/ ˈθɜːməʊˌpaɪl /

noun

1. an instrument for detecting and measuring heat radiation or for generating a thermoelectric current. It consists of a number of thermocouple junctions, usually joined together in series

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thermopile Scientific  

/ thûr′mə-pīl′ /

1. A device consisting of a number of thermocouples connected in series or parallel, used for measuring temperature or generating current.

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Etymology

Origin of thermopile

First recorded in 1840–50; thermo- + pile ¹

Compare meaning

How does thermopile compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• thermopile vs. thermocouple

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

thermopile

While some devices have shown improved performance by combining layers with different thermopower signs in thermopile devices, this approach generally requires the use of different materials and altering the manufacturing process.

From Science Daily ● Jan. 23, 2024

For years the efforts of inventors have been directed towards obtaining electrical energy from heat by means of the thermopile.

From The inventions, researches and writings of Nikola Tesla With special reference to his work in polyphase currents and high potential lighting by Thomas Commerford Martin

This exquisitely sensitive instrument affords the means of measuring heat, not directly, like the thermopile, but in its effects upon the conduction of electricity.

From A Popular History of Astronomy During the Nineteenth Century Fourth Edition by Agnes M. (Agnes Mary) Clerke

Gradually the light faded, as the thermopile adjusted itself to the change in temperature.

From The Dream Doctor by Arthur B. (Arthur Benjamin) Reeve

Indeed, the thermopile in the hands of Lockyer has already made palpable the heat of the fixed stars.

From Scientific American Supplement, No. 288, July 9, 1881 by Various