magnetometer

noun

mag·​ne·​tom·​e·​ter ˌmag-nə-ˈtä-mə-tər How to pronounce magnetometer (audio)
: an instrument used to detect the presence of a metallic object or to measure the intensity of a magnetic field
magnetometric adjective
magnetometry noun

Examples of magnetometer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Those final additions included all but one of the mission's science instruments, a suite of cameras, spectrometers, and magnetometers to image Europa and measure the detailed composition of its icy shell. Stephen Clark, Ars Technica, 10 Oct. 2023 In this one-gyro mode, Hubble's control system would receive inputs from the single gyroscope in combination with magnetometers, Sun sensors, and star trackers. Stephen Clark, Ars Technica, 8 Dec. 2023 At that distance, Clipper’s magnetometer will be able to measure the depth and salinity of the moon’s ocean; its mass spectrometer will study the ocean’s chemical makeup; and its ultraviolet spectrograph will search for plumes of water vapor escaping through the icy shell. Gina Errico, Los Angeles Times, 18 Oct. 2023 All three teams will launch their devices, known as magnetometers, in CubeSats. IEEE Spectrum, 5 Oct. 2023 The magnetometer can then measure the excited pair’s quantum state and derive information about the magnetic field. IEEE Spectrum, 5 Oct. 2023 Controlled entry and exits, bag searches and magnetometers are all commonplace -- and appear to have assisted in spotting Aispuro last week. Nicholas Kerr, ABC News, 23 Sep. 2023 The standard addresses accelerometers, magnetometers, gyrometers/gyroscopes, accelerometer/magnetometer/gyroscope combination sensors, barometer/pressure sensors, hygrometer/humidity sensors, temperature sensors, light sensors, and proximity sensors. IEEE Spectrum, 21 Oct. 2022 Alongside a similar instrument on the Tianwen-1 orbiter, which will continue studying the planet from afar, the rover’s magnetometer could reveal the details of how Mars lost its magnetic field—and consequently its atmosphere and water—billions of years ago. Jonathan O'Callaghan, Scientific American, 14 May 2021

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

Word History

First Known Use

1827, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of magnetometer was in 1827

Dictionary Entries Near magnetometer

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

magnetometer

noun
mag·​ne·​tom·​e·​ter ˌmag-nə-ˈtäm-ət-ər How to pronounce magnetometer (audio)
: an instrument used to detect the presence of a metallic object or to measure the strength of a magnetic field

Medical Definition

magnetometer

noun
mag·​ne·​tom·​e·​ter ˌmag-nə-ˈtäm-ət-ər How to pronounce magnetometer (audio)
: an instrument used to detect the presence of a metallic object or to measure the intensity of a magnetic field
magnetometric adjective
magnetometry noun
plural magnetometries

More from Merriam-Webster on magnetometer

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