gravimeter

noun

gra·​vi·​me·​ter gra-ˈvi-mə-tər  ˈgra-və-ˌmē- 

: a sensitive weighing instrument for measuring variations in a gravitational field (as of a planet)

Examples of gravimeter in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The same trick doesn’t work over floating ice, so each aircraft carries a gravimeter to determine how much water is below the ice. —IEEE Spectrum, 28 Jan. 2013

Also at Rimpac, Vector Atomic demonstrated a compact quantum gravimeter paired with a standard inertial navigation system that promises to allow naval ships to navigate without GPS. —Jeremy Bogaisky, Forbes, 13 Feb. 2023

And a gravimeter picks up tiny changes in Earth’s gravitational field, perfectly mapping the seafloor’s rocky bottom. —Eric Betz, Discover Magazine, 19 May 2017

Enviroscan’s gravimeter also indicated a large metallic mass with the density of gold, according to Warren Getler, who worked closely with the Paradas and the FBI. —Time, 9 Mar. 2021

Word History

Etymology

French gravimètre, from gravi- + -mètre -meter

First Known Use

1932, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

gravimeter

noun

gra·​vi·​me·​ter gra-ˈvim-ət-ər  ˈgrav-ə-ˌmēt- 

: an instrument for measuring differences in the force of gravity at different places

Medical Definition

gravimeter

noun

gra·​vi·​me·​ter gra-ˈvim-ət-ər  ˈgrav-ə-ˌmēt-ər 

: a device similar to a hydrometer for determining specific gravity