radiometer

noun

ra·​di·​om·​e·​ter ˌrā-dē-ˈä-mə-tər How to pronounce radiometer (audio)
: an instrument for detecting and usually for measuring the intensity of radiant energy
radiometry noun

Illustration of radiometer

Illustration of radiometer

Examples of radiometer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Juno is also equipped with a handful of other scientific instruments, including an energetic particle detector, an ultraviolet imaging spectrograph and a microwave radiometer. Will Sullivan, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 Jan. 2024 Wolf and his startup, Arable, intend to market the gadget as a $500 replacement for $10,000 weather stations with $5000 net radiometers. IEEE Spectrum, 12 July 2016 Visible and infrared cameras capture outermost details, while magnetometers and a microwave radiometer (along with detectors tuned for various types of energetic particles) gather information on the flurry of electromagnetic activity infusing the planet. Nathaniel Scharping, Discover Magazine, 25 May 2017 The scanners employ a millimeter wave radiometer which uses radio frequency waves to image visitors. Joseph Calamia, Discover Magazine, 5 Aug. 2010 That includes tools such as a microwave radiometer to quantify the amount of liquid in the atmosphere as well as a LIDAR ceilometer to record the size of clouds. San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Feb. 2023 The rover also used a magnetometer to test the strength of the asteroid’s magnetic field, and recorded its surface temperature with a high-powered radiometer, which will help determine how well Ryugu holds onto heat. Amber Jorgenson, Discover Magazine, 5 Oct. 2018 Orbiting Jupiter since July 2016, the craft is using its infrared spectrometer and microwave radiometer to search for signs of water and its abundances. Amber Jorgenson, Discover Magazine, 31 Aug. 2018 For example, the spacecraft's microwave radiometer will look into Europa’s crust, obtaining data on its icy composition and temperature. Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 29 Sep. 2022

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

Word History

First Known Use

1875, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of radiometer was in 1875

Dictionary Entries Near radiometer

Cite this Entry

“Radiometer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/radiometer. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

radiometer

noun
ra·​di·​om·​e·​ter ˌrād-ē-ˈäm-ət-ər How to pronounce radiometer (audio)
: an instrument for measuring the strength of radiant energy
radiometric
ˌrād-ē-ō-ˈme-trik
adjective
radiometry noun

Medical Definition

radiometer

noun
ra·​di·​om·​e·​ter ˌrād-ē-ˈäm-ət-ər How to pronounce radiometer (audio)
: an instrument for measuring the intensity of radiant energy
also : an instrument for measuring electromagnetic radiation or sound waves

More from Merriam-Webster on radiometer

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