Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of thermometer used in measuring humidity: A "wet-bulb thermometer" is a specific instrument consisting of a thermometer whose bulb is kept moist by a covering of wet fabric, typically muslin. It is used in conjunction with a dry-bulb thermometer in a device called a psychrometer to determine atmospheric humidity.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The meteorologist checked the wet-bulb thermometer to calculate the relative humidity.
  • Accurate humidity readings require comparing the temperatures of the wet-bulb thermometer and the dry-bulb thermometer.

Advanced Usage

• "wet-bulb temperature": The temperature recorded by a wet-bulb thermometer, which is lower than the air's actual (dry-bulb) temperature due to evaporative cooling. This value is crucial for calculating dew point and relative humidity.
  • The wet-bulb temperature is a key variable in heat stress indices.

Variants and Related Words

• Psychrometer (n): An instrument containing both a wet-bulb thermometer and a dry-bulb thermometer, used to measure humidity.
• Dry-bulb thermometer (n): A standard thermometer with a dry bulb, used alongside a wet-bulb thermometer in a psychrometer.
• Hygrometer (n): A general instrument for measuring humidity, of which a psychrometer is one type.

Synonyms

• None direct: As a specific scientific instrument, there is no perfect single-word synonym. It can be described as the moistened thermometer in a psychrometer.

Related Phrases

• "to read the wet bulb": To take or note the temperature indicated by the wet-bulb thermometer.
  • After reading the wet bulb, consult the psychrometric chart for the humidity value.

Noun

1. a thermometer with a bulb that is covered with moist muslin; used in a psychrometer to measure humidity