THERMOMETER definition in American English | Collins English Dictionary (2025)

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thermometer Image of thermometer in American English thermometer in American English thermometer in British English thermometer in Mechanical Engineering Examples of 'thermometer' in a sentence Word lists with Related word partners

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thermometer

(θərmɒmɪtər )

Word forms: plural thermometers

countable noun

A thermometer is an instrument for measuring temperature. It usually consists of a narrow glass tube containing a thin column of a liquid which rises and falls as the temperature rises and falls.

Image of

thermometer

thermometer in American English

(θərˈmɑmətər )

noun

an instrument for measuring temperatures, consisting of a graduated glass tube with a sealed, capillary bore in which mercury, colored alcohol, etc. rises or falls as it expands or contracts from changes in temperature

see also Fahrenheit, Celsius, Kelvin1, Reaumur

any similar instrument, as one operating by means of a thermocouple

Derived forms

thermometric (ˌθɜrməˈmɛtrɪk )

adjective

thermometrically (ˌthermoˈmetrically)

adverb

Word origin

Fr thermomètre: see thermo- & -meter

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thermometer in American English

(θərˈmɑmɪtər)

noun

an instrument for measuring temperature, often a sealed glass tube that contains a column of liquid, as mercury, that expands and contracts, or rises and falls, with temperature changes, the temperature being read where the top of the column coincides with a calibrated scale marked on the tube or its frame

Derived forms

thermometric (ˌθɜːrməˈmetrɪk) or thermometrical

adjective

thermometrically

adverb

Word origin

[1615–25; thermo- + -meter]

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thermometer in British English

(θəˈmɒmɪtə )

noun

an instrument used to measure temperature, esp one in which a thin column of liquid, such as mercury, expands and contracts within a graduated sealed tube

See also clinical thermometer, gas thermometer, resistance thermometer, thermocouple, pyrometer

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thermometer in Mechanical Engineering

(θərmɒmɪtər)

Word forms: (regular plural) thermometers

noun

(Mechanical engineering: Control, instrumentation and metrology)

A thermometer is a device for measuring temperature, usually one that works by the expansion of a column of fluid.

Measure the temperature of the water with a digital thermometer.

Mercury is used in thermometers because it expands when it is heated.

A thermometer is a device for measuring temperature, usually one that works by the expansion of a column of fluid.

Examples of 'thermometer' in a sentence

thermometer

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Set over a medium heat and pop a sugar thermometer in.

The Guardian (2015)

Now the minister blames the thermometer reading.

The Guardian (2019)

She hastily put another thermometer under my tongue and found it was normal.

The Guardian (2020)

They will also be subject to daily health questionnaires and a health check using a digital thermometer.

The Guardian (2020)

Buy a good probe thermometer.

The Guardian (2016)

If you're worried, use a meat thermometer.

Times, Sunday Times (2016)

Place a sugar thermometer in the pan and lower the temperature slightly.

The Sun (2010)

Alternatively, insert an electronic probe or meat thermometer into the thickest part of a thigh.

Times, Sunday Times (2008)

A thermometer is a temperature sensor whose information must be read by you.

Chapman, C. & Horsley, M. & Small, E. Technology Basic Facts (1990)

My sugar thermometer doesn't get a lot of use, to be frank.

Times, Sunday Times (2013)

Word lists with

thermometer

Measuring instruments

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