rain-gauge

A gardener checks the rain-gauge after a morning shower.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A meteorological instrument: "rain-gauge" is a device used to measure the amount of rain that falls over a specific period of time, typically in millimeters or inches. It consists of a collecting funnel, a measuring tube, and often a graduated scale.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The meteorologist checked the rain-gauge after the storm to record the total precipitation. (The instrument measured the rainfall amount.)
  • A standard rain-gauge is placed in an open area away from buildings and trees to ensure accurate readings. (The device is positioned to avoid obstructions that could affect measurements.)

Advanced Usage

• "to empty the rain-gauge": to remove collected water from the gauge for periodic measurement.

  • Every morning, the farmer empties the rain-gauge to track daily rainfall. (He removes the water to record the amount.)

• "self-recording rain-gauge": a type of rain-gauge that automatically records rainfall data over time.

  • The self-recording rain-gauge provides a continuous chart of precipitation. (It logs rainfall without manual intervention.)

Variants and Related Words

• Rainfall (n): the total amount of rain that falls in a specific area over a given time.

  • The annual rainfall in this region is measured using a rain-gauge. (The rain-gauge helps calculate total rain.)

• Gauge (n): a general term for a measuring instrument.

  • A tire gauge measures air pressure, while a rain-gauge measures precipitation. (Both are types of gauges.)

Synonyms

• Pluviometer: a technical term for a rain-gauge.

  • The pluviometer recorded 25 mm of rain overnight. (Synonym for rain-gauge.)

• Udometer: another formal name for a rain-gauge, especially in scientific contexts.

  • The udometer is a standard tool in climatology. (A rain-gauge used for research.)

Related Idioms

• "Measure the rain": to use a rain-gauge to quantify precipitation.

  • The farmer measures the rain every morning with his rain-gauge. (He checks the rainfall amount.)

• "As accurate as a rain-gauge": a simile meaning highly precise in measurement.

  • Her observations are as accurate as a rain-gauge. (Her data is very reliable.)