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

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

The measurements were chiefly of a qualitative character, and were made by interposing between the source and a thermopile a layer or plate of the substance to be examined.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 13, Slice 2 "Hearing" to "Helmond" by Various

Here I have the mechanism, operated by the feeble current from the thermopile, opening and closing switches, and actuating bells and lights.

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

We have no time or space here to describe Professor Langley's "bolometer;" it must suffice to say that it seems to stand to the thermopile much as that does to the thermometer.

From Scientific American Supplement, No. 443, June 28, 1884 by Various

Dr. G. Gore, F.R.S., has invented an improved thermopile for measuring small electromotive forces.

From Scientific American Supplement, No. 441, June 14, 1884. by Various