radiometer

noun

ra·​di·​om·​e·​ter ˌrā-dē-ˈä-mə-tər How to pronounce radiometer (audio)
: an instrument for detecting and usually for measuring the intensity of radiant energy
radiometry noun

Illustration of radiometer

Illustration of radiometer

Examples of radiometer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
From this unique vantage point, the probe aims to deploy a sensitive radiometer designed to detect low-frequency radio signals. Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 21 July 2025 Juno also has a magnetometer, a gravity science system and a microwave radiometer. Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025 Juno has other instruments too, including a magnetometer to map Jupiter's magnetic field and a microwave radiometer to measure the abundance of water and ammonia in the planet's atmosphere. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2024 The agency collected the data using a thermal radiometer tool aboard the International Space Station. Jessica Boehm, Axios, 10 July 2024 See All Example Sentences for radiometer

Word History

First Known Use

1875, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of radiometer was in 1875

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Radiometer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/radiometer. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

radiometer

noun
ra·​di·​om·​e·​ter ˌrād-ē-ˈäm-ət-ər How to pronounce radiometer (audio)
: an instrument for measuring the strength of radiant energy
radiometric
ˌrād-ē-ō-ˈme-trik
adjective
radiometry noun

Medical Definition

radiometer

noun
ra·​di·​om·​e·​ter ˌrād-ē-ˈäm-ət-ər How to pronounce radiometer (audio)
: an instrument for measuring the intensity of radiant energy
also : an instrument for measuring electromagnetic radiation or sound waves

More from Merriam-Webster on radiometer

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