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pitot tube

noun, often capitalized P pi·tot tube \ ˈpē-ˌtō- \
Updated on: 18 Mar 2018
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Definition of pitot tube

1 : a device that consists of a tube having a short right-angled bend which is placed vertically in a moving body of fluid (such as air) with the mouth of the bent part directed upstream and that is used with a manometer to measure the velocity of fluid flow
2 : pitot-static tube

Recent Examples of pitot tube from the Web

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'pitot tube.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of pitot tube

French (tube de) Pitot, from Henri Pitot †1771 French physicist

Medical Dictionary

pitot tube

noun, often capitalized P pi·tot tube \ ˌpē-ˌtō- \

medical Definition of pitot tube

: a device that consists of a tube having a short right-angled bend which is placed vertically in a moving body of fluid with the mouth of the bent part directed upstream and that is used with a manometer to measure the velocity of fluid flow (as in a blood vessel)

Biographical Note for pitot tube

  • Pitot \pē-tō\, Henri (1695–1771), French hydraulic engineer. Pitot began his career in the chemical laboratory at the Academy of Sciences in Paris. During his two decades at the academy he published a number of papers addressing minor questions in astronomy, geometry, and mechanics, especially hydraulics. In 1735 he published a paper announcing his invention of the Pitot tube.

    • Learn More about pitot tube

    1. Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pitot tube

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