thermometer

noun ther·mom·e·ter \ thər-ˈmä-mə-tər , thə-ˈmä-mə-tər \

|Updated on: 7 Aug 2018

Definition of thermometer

: an instrument for determining temperature; especially : one consisting of a glass bulb attached to a fine tube of glass with a numbered scale and containing a liquid (such as mercury or colored alcohol) that is sealed in and rises and falls with changes of temperature

—

thermometric

play \ˌthər-mə-ˈme-trik\ adjective

—

thermometrically

play \ˌthər-mə-ˈme-tri-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

See thermometer defined for English-language learners

See thermometer defined for kids

Recent Examples of thermometer from the Web

The researchers observed that people who had watched the video were significantly more likely than the control group to use a meat thermometer properly while making their turkey burgers.

— jamie ducharme, Time, "You're Probably Not Washing Your Hands Right, Study Says," 30 June 2018
Use a thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 140°F.

— blake bakkila, Health.com, "3 Easy Summer Campfire Recipes Your Entire Family Will Enjoy," 22 June 2018
Have a thermometer on hand and leave the chicken until the temperature rises to 165 degrees.

— sally pasley vargas, BostonGlobe.com, "The stars of a spring chicken salad with quinoa, asparagus, and edamame are poached breasts," 24 Apr. 2018
Temperatures across the continent are topping the thermometer, and some areas are even experiencing dangerous heat waves.

— brittney mcnamara, Teen Vogue, "The Earth Is at Its Farthest Point From the Sun, but That Won't Stop the Heat Wave," 6 July 2018
Using a digital meat thermometer, check the meat every 10 to 15 minutes.

— nick kindelsperger, charlotteobserver, "Can you cook a great steak indoors? Yes, if you learn this trick," 26 June 2018
Metal stem-type thermometer soiled...Cutting board(s) stained/soiled...

— david j. neal, miamiherald, "Roaches in oven, sewage on floor, flies in the fries. These restaurants are in trouble," 21 June 2018
Always use your meat thermometer to determine when the chicken is ready.

— timothy dahl, Popular Mechanics, "The Beginner's Guide to Grilling Any Type of Food," 12 June 2018
The calendar reads April, but our thermometers didn’t get the memo about winter being over.

— mark stewart, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Three effects of spring snow on prep sports, and how schools are dealing with them," 18 Apr. 2018

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

Origin and Etymology of thermometer

French thermomètre, from Greek thermē heat + French -o- + -mètre -meter — more at therm

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1633

in the meaning defined above

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THERMOMETER Defined for English Language Learners

thermometer

noun

Definition of thermometer for English Language Learners

: an instrument used for measuring temperature

THERMOMETER Defined for Kids

thermometer

noun ther·mom·e·ter \ thər-ˈmä-mə-tər , thə-ˈmä- \

Definition of thermometer for Students

: an instrument for measuring temperature

Word Root of thermometer

The Greek word metron, meaning “measure,” gives us the root metr. Words from the Greek metron have something to do with measuring. A thermometer is an instrument that measures temperature. A diameter is the measurement across the center of a circle. The metric system is a system used for measuring size, weight, and volume. A perimeter is the measurement of the outside of a figure or shape.

Medical Dictionary

thermometer

noun ther·mom·e·ter \ thə(r)-ˈmäm-ət-ər \

medical Definition of thermometer

: an instrument for determining temperature that usually consists either of a device providing a digital readout or of a glass bulb attached to a fine tube of glass with a numbered scale and containing a liquid (as mercury or colored alcohol) that is sealed in and rises and falls with changes of temperature

Learn More about thermometer

See words that rhyme with thermometer Spanish Central: Translation of thermometer Nglish: Translation of thermometer for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of thermometer for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about thermometer

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