dip-needle

A scientist uses a dip-needle to measure the magnetic field.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • Instrument for measuring magnetic dip: A "dip-needle" is a device used to measure the angle of inclination (dip) of the Earth's magnetic field relative to the horizontal plane. It consists of a magnetic needle free to rotate in a vertical plane.

Usage Examples

• (The instrument measured the angle of the magnetic field.)
• (The device helped account for magnetic variation.)

Advanced Usage

• "To use a dip-needle": to employ this instrument for geophysical surveys or navigation.
  • The surveyor used a dip-needle to map the local magnetic anomalies. (The instrument was applied to detect variations in the magnetic field.)

Variants and Related Words

• Dip (n): the angle between a magnetic needle and the horizontal plane.

  • The dip at this location is 60 degrees. (The magnetic inclination is 60° below horizontal.)

• Needle (n): a slender pointer or indicator in a compass or instrument.

  • The needle of the dip-needle oscillated before settling. (The magnetic pointer moved and then stopped.)

Synonyms

• Inclinometer: a general term for any instrument measuring slope or tilt (often used for magnetic dip as well).
• Magnetic dip needle: a more descriptive term for the same device.

Related Idioms

• (No common idioms directly associated with "dip-needle"; however, the word "dip" appears in idioms like "dip into" meaning to examine briefly.)
  • He took a dip into the data. (He examined the data quickly.)