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Glite Dictionary
plessimeter

plessimeter

9.9
A small thin metal plate that a doctor puts on the body to tap and hear sounds
  • noun
  • /ˈplɛsɪˌmɛtər/
  • Specialized
translation icon : plesímetro
  • The doctor placed the plessimeter on the patient's chest before tapping it gently.

Examples

  • The doctor used a plessimeter to check for fluid in the lungs.

  • Medical students learn how to use a plessimeter during their physical examination classes.

  • A plessimeter and a plexor are often used together in diagnostic percussion.

  • He carefully placed the plessimeter on her abdomen.

  • The doctor placed the plessimeter on the patient's chest before tapping it gently.

  • Medical students learn how to use a plessimeter during their physical examination classes.

  • A plessimeter and a plexor are often used together in diagnostic percussion.

Synonyms

pleximeter
vsplessimeter
  • Specialized
9.9

A small thin metal or ivory plate that doctors tap on the body to hear sounds

is only a metal plate tapped with a plexor rather than metal or ivory

Surface Forms

plessimeter singular
plessimeters plural

Morphology

plessimeter = meter (opaque) = plessi + meter

The recognizable part '-meter' suggests an instrument, but the striking component is a classical combining form, so the full meaning is not recoverable for most learners.

Etymology

Plessimeter comes from Greek parts: plessi- meaning 'to strike' and -meter meaning 'measure', like the -meter in thermometer. So a plessimeter is literally a small plate put on the body to be tapped with a plexor to 'measure' differences in the tissue.