Definition

1. Noun:
   • An instrument for measuring electrical potential differences without drawing current from the source: An electrometer is a highly sensitive device used to measure voltage, particularly electrostatic voltage differences. Its key characteristic is that it operates by detecting charge without consuming significant current, thus not disturbing the circuit or source being measured.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The scientist used a sensitive electrometer to measure the tiny voltage generated by the experimental cell.
  • Accurate measurement of static charge on the material required a specialized electrometer.

Advanced Usage

• Electrometer-grade: A term describing components (like amplifiers or tubes) with extremely low input current, suitable for use in electrometer circuits.
  • The experiment required an electrometer-grade operational amplifier to prevent signal loading.

Variants and Related Words

• Electrometric (adj): Pertaining to measurement by electrometer or to electrometry.
  • The electrometric analysis confirmed the surface potential.
• Electrometry (n): The science or process of measurement using an electrometer.

Synonyms

• Electrostatic voltmeter: A type of voltmeter that measures voltage using electrostatic force, similar in principle to some electrometers.

Notes on Meaning

The core meaning of "electrometer" is specifically tied to voltage measurement with minimal current draw. It is distinct from general-purpose multimeters or ammeters, which involve current flow. In modern contexts, the term often refers to high-impedance voltage amplifiers or picoammeters used in scientific research.

Noun

1. meter to measure electrostatic voltage differences; draws no current from the source