dipping-needle

A scientist uses a dipping-needle to measure the Earth's magnetic field.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • An instrument for measuring magnetic dip: A "dipping-needle" is a magnetic needle mounted so that it can move freely in a vertical plane, used to determine the angle of inclination (dip) of the Earth's magnetic field relative to the horizontal.

Usage Examples

• (An instrument for finding the angle of the Earth's magnetic field.)
• (A tool for magnetic surveying.)

Advanced Usage

• "to use a dipping-needle": to employ this instrument for geomagnetic research.

  • The expedition relied on a dipping-needle to map the magnetic field lines. (They used it to measure inclination.)

• "the dipping-needle's reading": the angle indicated by the needle.

  • The dipping-needle's reading showed a dip of 70 degrees. (The measurement of the magnetic inclination.)

Variants and Related Words

• Dip-needle (n): an alternative name for the same instrument.
  • The dip-needle is another term for a dipping-needle. (A synonym.)
• Dip (n): the angle of inclination of the Earth's magnetic field.
  • The dip at this location is 45 degrees. (The magnetic inclination.)

Synonyms

• Inclinometer: a general term for an instrument that measures angles of slope or tilt.
• Magnetic dip needle: a more descriptive name for the same device.

Related Idioms