thermometer

noun

ther·​mom·​e·​ter thər-ˈmä-mə-tər How to pronounce thermometer (audio)
thə-ˈmä-mə-tər
plural thermometers
: an instrument for determining temperature
specifically : one consisting of a sensor housed in a metal probe that registers a change in electrical resistance as a change in temperature
thermometric adjective
thermometrically adverb

Examples of thermometer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web And no probe thermometer in the restaurant to make sure your food is properly cooked through. David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 18 Feb. 2024 Kitchen gadgets are in abundance too, like a knife sharpener, digital meat thermometer, and vacuum sealer machine. Amy Schulman, Peoplemag, 17 Feb. 2024 To prepare for when your baby gets sick, pair an infrared thermometer that’s 50% off with the FridaBaby NoseFrida, a popular nasal aspirator that helps clear your baby’s stuffy nose. Katrina Cossey, Parents, 15 Feb. 2024 The meat thermometer goes into the thickest part of the inner thigh, near the breast, but not touching bone. Kathleen Purvis, Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 2024 Into a large wok or pot fitted with a deep-fry thermometer, add 4 cups of the oil and turn the heat to medium-high. Jing Gao, Saveur, 31 Jan. 2024 That's partly because most EVs are designed to boost their battery temperatures when the thermometer drops, Knizek said. Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 17 Jan. 2024 Wind chills may feel several degrees colder than the mid-40s showing on the thermometer. A. Camden Walker, Washington Post, 23 Feb. 2024 Nothing revolutionizes your meat-cooking game quite like a MEATER smart thermometer. Anna Smoot, Rolling Stone, 23 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'thermometer.' 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

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

First Known Use

1633, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of thermometer was in 1633

Dictionary Entries Near thermometer

Cite this Entry

“Thermometer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thermometer. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

thermometer

noun
ther·​mom·​e·​ter thə(r)-ˈmäm-ət-ər How to pronounce thermometer (audio)
: an instrument for measuring temperature
especially : one consisting of a glass bulb attached to a fine glass tube 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
thermometric adjective

Medical Definition

thermometer

noun
ther·​mom·​e·​ter thə(r)-ˈmäm-ət-ər How to pronounce thermometer (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on thermometer

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