thermometer

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

Updated on: 11 Sep 2017

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

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thermometric

play \ˌthər-mə-ˈme-trik\ adjective

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thermometrically

play \-tri-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

See thermometer defined for English-language learners

See thermometer defined for kids

Recent Examples of thermometer from the Web

Aa blazing sun meant the mercury in the thermometer reached 90 degrees.

— rainer sabin, AL.com, "Alabama practice report: Star player not spotted," 18 Aug. 2017
This surely had nothing to do with their mother’s two-month doldrum disorder, because children are never the thermometer simply displaying the temperature of their parents.

— jen hatmaker, Health.com, "How I Finally Broke Free From a Two-Month Case of the Doldrums," 11 Aug. 2017
Stick a probe thermometer through top vent if your grill has one.

— andrew knowlton, Bon Appetit, "You Can 100% Smoke Chicken Wings at Home," 17 July 2017
The heat and humidity return Monday with many home thermometers reaching 90 degrees Monday afternoon.

— cincinnati enquirer, Cincinnati.com, "Duke Energy reports thousands without power due to storms," 7 July 2017
Place pot over moderately low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until a thermometer registers 170 degrees, about five minutes.

— nancy miller, The Courier-Journal, "Cuvee Wine Table 'a perfect fit' for chef de cuisine," 4 July 2017
Grill patties 2 to 3 minutes each side or until meat thermometer registers 155 degrees.

— jill wendholt silva, kansascity.com, "Five easy (and, shhh, healthy) recipes for the Fourth," 3 July 2017
Sauce warmer thermometer about 120 F. Cheese sauce warmer replaced.

— kaitlyn schwers, kansascity, "Cass County restaurant inspections: June 1-15," 28 June 2017
Grill beef 30 minutes or until 125°F on meat thermometer, turning over 3 times.

— the good housekeeping institute, Good Housekeeping, "Sweet and Smoky Tri-Tip," 26 June 2017

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

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First Known Use: 1633

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THERMOMETER Defined for English Language Learners

thermometer

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noun

Definition of thermometer for English Language Learners

: an instrument used for measuring temperature

THERMOMETER Defined for Kids

thermometer

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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

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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