thermopile

[ thur-muh-pahyl ]

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.

thermopile

/ 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

thermopile

/ thûr′mə-pīl′ /

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of thermopile¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of thermopile¹

C19: from thermo- + pile ¹(in the sense: voltaic pile)

Example Sentences

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

From Project Gutenberg

The main use of the thermopile has been in scientific investigations, especially in the science of heat.

From Project Gutenberg

Helmholtz takes the case of a circuit of resistance R in which acts an electromotive force due to a battery or thermopile.

From Project Gutenberg

Change or apparent change in intensity; observed by energy received by thermopile.

From Project Gutenberg

The heat of a match, or the cold of a piece of ice, will produce a current, even if held at some distance from the thermopile.

From Project Gutenberg