noun
thermometer
ther-MAH-mih-ter/θərˈmɑːmɪtər/
An instrument for measuring temperature.
The thermometer's red column rises against the numbered scale.
Etymology
The pieces combine the ideas of hotness and measurement: a thermometer determines how hot or cold something is. The name thus describes its purpose—measuring temperature.
In context
stick in a thermometer to make sure that I can keep my eye on the temperature. I'm going to stick it in the thickest part. And when this ham hits a core temperature of 65° C
More examples
- She checked the thermometer.
- Several thermometers gave similar readings.
- The laboratory replaced a damaged thermometer.
Forms
thermometer · thermometers
Similar words
- thermostat
- Controls temperature rather than merely measuring it.
- pyrometer
- Measures especially high temperatures, often without contact.