radiometer

noun

ra·​di·​om·​e·​ter ˌrā-dē-ˈä-mə-tər 

: an instrument for detecting and usually for measuring the intensity of radiant energy

radiometry

ˌrā-dē-ˈä-mə-trē 

noun

Illustration of radiometer

Examples of radiometer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The mission was supposed to carry six instruments to the moon's surface — five Canadian payloads and a NASA radiometer flying under a NASA-CSA agreement. — Elizabeth Howell, Space.com, 25 Mar. 2026

The satellite’s microwave radiometer can detect subtle variations in sea-surface salinity, which is critical for studying ocean circulation, freshwater fluxes, and climate patterns. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2025

As its name implies, placing the radiometer in light produces a measurable change: the blades start spinning. — Andrew Cunningham, ArsTechnica, 14 Aug. 2025

Juno also has a magnetometer, a gravity science system and a microwave radiometer. — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1875, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for radiometer

• barometer
• chronometer
• geometer
• hydrometer
• hygrometer
• kilometer
• micrometer
• odometer
• photometer
• psychrometer
• pycnometer
• pyrometer

Kids Definition

radiometer

noun

ra·​di·​om·​e·​ter ˌrād-ē-ˈäm-ət-ər 

: an instrument for measuring the strength of radiant energy

radiometric

ˌrād-ē-ō-ˈme-trik

adjective

radiometry

-ˈäm-ə-trē 

noun

Medical Definition

radiometer

noun

ra·​di·​om·​e·​ter ˌrād-ē-ˈäm-ət-ər 

: an instrument for measuring the intensity of radiant energy

also : an instrument for measuring electromagnetic radiation or sound waves