range-finder

A soldier uses a range-finder to measure the distance to a hill.

Definition

Noun: A device used to measure the distance from an observer to a target, typically in photography, surveying, or military contexts. It operates by determining the angle or time required for a signal (such as light or sound) to travel to the target and back.

Usage Examples

• (The device measured the distance to the subject for correct focusing.)
• (The instrument provided accurate measurements for mapping.)
• (The tool helped estimate the distance for targeting.)

Advanced Usage

• "to use a range-finder": to operate a device that measures distance.

  • Before firing the artillery, the crew used a range-finder to adjust their aim. (They measured the distance to improve accuracy.)

• "built-in range-finder": a distance-measuring device integrated into another tool, such as a camera or binoculars.

  • Modern binoculars often have a built-in range-finder for hunters. (The binoculars include a distance-measuring feature.)

Variants and Related Words

• Range-finding (n): the act or process of measuring distance.

  • Range-finding is essential for accurate golf shots. (The process of gauging distance helps improve performance.)

• Rangefinder (n): an alternative spelling without the hyphen, common in technical contexts.

  • The camera's rangefinder was calibrated for precise focus. (The device measured distance for sharp images.)

Synonyms

• Distance meter: a general term for any device that measures distance.
• Telemeter: a more technical synonym, often used in scientific or military applications.
• Laser measurer: a specific type of range-finder that uses laser light.

Phrasal Verbs

• Range in: to adjust or determine a target's distance using a range-finder.

  • The sniper ranged in on the target with his range-finder. (He used the device to find the exact distance.)

• Find the range: to measure the distance to an object.

  • The surveyor found the range of the mountain peak using a range-finder. (He calculated the distance for mapping.)

Related Idioms

• Get the range: to successfully determine the distance to a target.

  • After several attempts, the artillery team got the range of the enemy position. (They accurately measured the distance for firing.)

• Out of range: beyond the measurable distance of a range-finder.

  • The aircraft was out of range of the ground-based range-finder. (The device could not measure the distance because the target was too far.)