Definition

1. Noun:
   • An instrument for measuring altitude or height: A hypsometer is a scientific device that determines elevation above sea level by measuring the boiling point of water, which decreases with lower atmospheric pressure at higher altitudes.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The surveyor used a hypsometer to determine the mountain's precise elevation.
  • A hypsometer is particularly useful in remote areas where traditional surveying equipment is unavailable.

Advanced Usage

• Scientific Context: In meteorology and geography, a hypsometer provides a method for altimetry based on thermodynamic principles, specifically the relationship between atmospheric pressure and the boiling point of a liquid.
  • The expedition's data relied on readings from a carefully calibrated hypsometer.

Variants and Related Words

• Hypsometric (adj): Relating to the measurement of heights or elevations.
  • The team created a hypsometric map of the region.
• Hypsometry (n): The branch of science concerned with measuring the heights of features on the Earth's surface.
  • His research focuses on the hypsometry of coastal plains.

Synonyms

• Altimeter: An instrument for measuring altitude.
• Boiling-point apparatus: A descriptive term for the device's function.

Notes on Meaning

• The term specifically refers to an instrument that uses the boiling point method. It is not a general term for any altimeter. Other types of altimeters, such as barometric or radar altimeters, use different principles.

Noun

1. an altimeter that uses the boiling point of water to determine land elevation