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Glite Dictionary
pistonphone

pistonphone

9.9
A device that makes a steady sound to check microphones
  • noun
  • /ˈpɪstənˌfoʊn/
  • Specialized
: pistonófono
  • The laboratory technician used a pistonphone to calibrate the new set of microphones.

Examples

  • Because of its accuracy, the pistonphone is preferred for verifying sound level meters.

  • Before taking measurements, ensure the pistonphone is operating at the correct frequency.

  • The pistonphone is essential for accurate sound measurement.

  • Can you explain how a pistonphone works?

  • The laboratory technician used a pistonphone to calibrate the new set of microphones.

  • Because of its accuracy, the pistonphone is preferred for verifying sound level meters.

  • Before taking measurements, ensure the pistonphone is operating at the correct frequency.

Surface Forms

pistonphone singular
pistonphones plural

Morphology

pistonphone = piston + phone (semi-transparent) = piston + phone

Formally a compound 'piston' + 'phone' so components are clear, but the technical meaning (a calibration sound-generator) and the combining-form use of 'phone' may not be obvious to general learners.

Etymology

The word pistonphone comes from piston, a part that 'moves back and forth', and phone, which means 'sound' as in telephone or microphone. So a pistonphone is a tool that uses a moving piston to make a very exact sound to check and set microphones.