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Glite Dictionary
variometer

variometer

9.9
An instrument that measures small changes in a magnetic field
  • noun
  • /ˌvɛrɪˈɒmɪtər/
  • Specialized
translation icon : variómetro
  • The variometer is essential for detecting magnetic field changes.

Examples

  • The readings from the variometer indicated a fluctuation in local magnetic activity.

  • A portable variometer can be useful for geophysicists working in the field.

  • The laboratory used a variometer to detect subtle changes in the magnetic field during the experiment.

  • Scientists use a variometer to measure fluctuations in magnetic fields.

  • The pilot used a variometer to track changes in the magnetic field during the flight.

  • With the variometer, engineers can detect shifts in the magnetic field more accurately.

  • The scientist calibrated the variometer to measure the variations in the Earth's magnetic field.

Synonyms

gradiometer
vsvariometer
  • Specialized
1 9.9

A tool that measures how fields like gravity or magnetism change over distance

focuses on general variation rather than spatial change
magnetograph
vsvariometer
  • Specialized
9.9

A machine that records magnetic changes in Earth's magnetic field

focuses on measuring only rather than also recording data
magnetoscope
vsvariometer
  • Specialized
9.9

A device that finds or measures magnetic fields

focuses on measuring changes rather than simply detecting presence

Surface Forms

variometer singular
variometers plural

Morphology

variometer = meter (semi-transparent) = vario + meter

The word is structurally interpretable as a technical 'variation meter', but the combining form vario- is less transparent to average learners and the specialized scientific sense is not fully predictable.

Etymology

The word variometer comes from the parts vari- meaning 'change' and -meter meaning 'measure', the same ending as in thermometer or speedometer. So a variometer is a device that measures 'changes', in this case changes in a magnetic field.