thermometer
/θə'mɔmitə/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A device for measuring temperature: A "thermometer" is an instrument used to determine the temperature of a substance or environment. It typically consists of a sealed glass tube containing a liquid (like mercury or alcohol) that expands and rises in the tube as the temperature increases, or a digital sensor that provides a numerical readout.
Examples of Usage
- Noun:
- The nurse used a thermometer to check the patient's fever.
- A kitchen thermometer is essential for ensuring meat is cooked safely.
- The outdoor thermometer showed that the temperature had dropped below freezing.
Advanced Usage
- "to read a thermometer": to interpret the temperature value shown on the device.
- Can you read the thermometer and tell me what the temperature is?
- "clinical/medical thermometer": a specific type of thermometer designed for measuring human body temperature.
- Digital clinical thermometers are faster and safer than old mercury ones.
Variants and Related Words
- Thermometric (adj): relating to the measurement of temperature or thermometers.
- The thermometric properties of the material were studied.
- Thermometry (n): the science and process of temperature measurement.
- Advances in thermometry have led to more accurate weather forecasting.
Synonyms
- Temperature gauge: A device for indicating temperature.
- Pyrometer (n): A type of thermometer for measuring very high temperatures.
Related Phrases
- "The mercury is rising": An idiom referring to an increase in temperature, originating from mercury thermometers. It can also metaphorically mean a situation is becoming more tense or exciting.
- With this heatwave, the mercury is rising every day.
Notes on Different Meanings
The core meaning of "thermometer" is consistently related to measuring temperature. However, it can be used metaphorically to describe something that indicates changes or trends, similar to how a thermometer indicates temperature changes. - Public opinion polls often act as a thermometer for the political climate.
Noun
- measuring instrument for measuring temperature