dynamometer

noun

dy·​na·​mom·​e·​ter ˌdī-nə-ˈmä-mə-tər How to pronounce dynamometer (audio)
1
: an instrument for measuring mechanical force
2
: an apparatus for measuring mechanical power (as of an engine)
dynamometric adjective
dynamometry noun

Examples of dynamometer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Other forces that the dynamometer exerts on the vehicle are set out in SAE standards J2263 and J2264. Evan Williams, Ars Technica, 2 Jan. 2024 By the time the 10-mile (16-km) Highway Fuel Economy Test was added in 1974, the tests were performed in a lab on a dynamometer. Evan Williams, Ars Technica, 2 Jan. 2024 Her father, Robert Brace, retired from Ford as a technician who machined engine parts in the dynamometer lab to support engine testing. Detroit Free Press, 11 Jan. 2024 Because dynamometer range tests—accelerating, coasting, and braking to follow a precise trace on a computer screen from 100 percent to zero state of charge—were long, tedious, and boring, Garrett and Travis developed a system to drive the car for them. Gary Witzenburg, Car and Driver, 7 July 2021 The vehicle is put on a dynamometer. Ray Magliozzi, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Oct. 2021 And to be doubly sure that the speed books weren’t cooked, Gresley ordered that a dynamometer car, with its large electric speedometer suspended from the ceiling, be added to the train, along with three twinset railcars. Tom Bentley, Popular Mechanics, 20 Sep. 2020 It is measured with a hand dynamometer – a device which measures the force used to squeeze two handles together. Dr. Michael Daignault, USA TODAY, 3 Feb. 2023 The set was put in a dynamometer, programmed to apply increasing forces (rate of advance of 5 mm/min), until rupture (either of the specimen or of the teeth). Seriously Science, Discover Magazine, 31 Mar. 2014

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'dynamometer.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French dynamomètre, from dynamique dynamic entry 1 + -o- -o- + -mètre -meter

First Known Use

1810, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dynamometer was in 1810

Dictionary Entries Near dynamometer

Cite this Entry

“Dynamometer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dynamometer. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

dynamometer

noun
dy·​na·​mom·​e·​ter ˌdī-nə-ˈmäm-ət-ər How to pronounce dynamometer (audio)
: an instrument for measuring the force of muscular contraction especially of the hand
dynamometric adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on dynamometer

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