thermometer

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

|Updated on: 12 Jun 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

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thermometric

play \ˌthər-mə-ˈme-trik\ adjective

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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

Two dry rodent droppings in thermometer storage box on the shelving unit near juice prep area.

— david j. neal, miamiherald, "Rodent poop in a fruit bowl, near soup, on shelves. These restaurants are in deep ...," 7 June 2018
For the most accurate grilling, set an oven thermometer on the grill grates — grill temperatures hovering at 375 to 425 degrees yield very nice results for most quick-cooking foods.

— jeanmarie brownson, chicagotribune.com, "How to grill steak to perfection — it's all about controlling the heat," 5 June 2018
By the time the meet was over, car thermometers read well into the triple digits.

— matthew vantryon, Indianapolis Star, "At the Unified track meet, everyone wins. 'The inclusion revolution is happening.'," 2 June 2018
Continue to roast chicken until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast reaches 165 degrees — appx.

— meghan overdeep, Southern Living, "Whatever You Do, Do NOT Tell Ina Garten About Jennifer Garner’s Favorite Soup Hack," 22 May 2018
Kurt’s a comedian, so the purpose of this trip was being paid to stand on stage in London and take the temperature of British people’s crotches with a laser thermometer.

— lauren cook, The Cut, "Never Take a Romantic Vacation for Your Second Date," 15 May 2018
One student kneels in the water with a thermometer, another gauges the current with a flow meter, a third measures the water’s oxygen content.

— peter cary, Washington Post, "Budding scientists try to revive Virginia’s once-thriving brook trout," 28 Apr. 2018
The Miss Dessert signature yoji nectar ($5.99) — a blend of coconut, mango and grapefruit with little pearls of sticky rice — is a refreshing favorite that will become even more so when the thermometer hits 120.

— dominic armato, azcentral, "Eat Here First in May: 3 new restaurants to try before everybody else does," 15 May 2018
In 1934, however, the official thermometer was on campus at the University of Chicago, close to the cooling breezes of Lake Michigan.

— tom skilling, chicagotribune.com, "Ask Tom: Has Chicago ever reached 100 degrees in May?," 14 May 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

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First Known Use: 1633

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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