tachometer

noun

ta·​chom·​e·​ter ta-ˈkä-mə-tər How to pronounce tachometer (audio)
tə-
: a device for indicating speed of rotation

Did you know?

A tachometer is literally a "speed-measurer", since the Greek root tach- means "speed". This is clear in the names of the tachyon, a particle of matter that travels faster than the speed of light (if it actually exists, it's so fast that it's impossible to see with any instrument), and tachycardia, a medical condition in which the heart races uncontrollably. Since the speed that an auto tachometer measures is speed of rotation of the crankshaft, the numbers it reports are revolutions per minute, or rpm's.

Examples of tachometer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Alfa spotters will easily distinguish the 1750 and 2000 GTVs by their four headlamps and the interior’s larger twin tachometer and speedometer. Robert Ross, Robb Report, 11 Oct. 2024 But edge deeper into the throttle and that small block wakes up, clearly preferring the higher end of the tachometer. Michael Van Runkle, Robb Report, 18 Sep. 2024 Jonathan Gitlin Here, the N E-Shift button has been pressed, and the power gauge on the right has turned into a tachometer. Jonathan M. Gitlin, Ars Technica, 6 Sep. 2024 The case sides also showcase two large sapphire openings that mirror the car’s windows, while the retrograde hour and minute indicators resemble its tachometer and speedometer. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 19 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for tachometer 

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

Word History

Etymology

Greek tachos speed + English -meter

First Known Use

1810, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tachometer was in 1810

Dictionary Entries Near tachometer

Cite this Entry

“Tachometer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tachometer. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

tachometer

noun
ta·​chom·​e·​ter ta-ˈkäm-ət-ər How to pronounce tachometer (audio)
tə-
: a device for indicating speed of rotation
Etymology

from Greek tachos "speed" and English meter "an instrument for measuring"

More from Merriam-Webster on tachometer

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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