Definition

Noun: * A thermometer that measures temperature by changes in the resistance of a spiral of platinum wire: A device for determining temperature based on the principle that the electrical resistance of a conductor (typically a fine platinum wire) changes predictably with temperature. The measured resistance is converted to a temperature reading.

Usage

The term "resistance thermometer" is used to specify a type of precision temperature sensor, often in scientific, industrial, or calibration contexts. It is a technical compound noun.

Examples

• Noun:
  • For high-accuracy measurements, the laboratory uses a resistance thermometer.
  • The resistance thermometer provided a more stable reading than the thermocouple.
  • The principle of the resistance thermometer relies on the predictable change in electrical resistance of platinum.

Advanced Usage

• "Platinum resistance thermometer": A more specific term highlighting the use of platinum as the sensing element, which is the most common and stable material for this application.
  • The standard platinum resistance thermometer is used as a primary standard for temperature calibration.

Variants and Related Words

• RTD (Resistance Temperature Detector): This is a common acronym and synonym for a resistance thermometer.
  • The RTD is connected to a transmitter to send the temperature signal.
• Thermistor: A related device that also measures temperature via resistance change, but uses semiconductor materials instead of pure metals like platinum. Thermistors typically have a much larger and non-linear change in resistance per degree.

Synonyms

• Resistance Temperature Detector (RTD): The most direct synonym.
• Platinum resistance thermometer (PRT): A specific type of resistance thermometer.

Notes on Different Meanings

• The term "resistance thermometer" has a single, specific technical meaning as defined above. It is not used idiomatically or in non-technical contexts. The word "resistance" here refers strictly to electrical resistance, not opposition or defiance.

Noun

1. thermometer that measures temperature by changes in the resistance of a spiral of platinum wire