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algometer

algometer

1 9.9
A tool that measures how sensitive a part of the body is to pain by pressing the skin
  • noun
  • /ælˈgɑːmətər/
  • Specialized
: algómetro
  • The doctor used an algometer to determine the patient's pain threshold during the examination.

Examples

  • Researchers often rely on an algometer to assess pressure-induced pain in clinical trials.

  • After the injury, an algometer was used to compare pain sensitivity between the affected and unaffected limbs.

  • The doctor used an algometer to assess my pain levels.

  • She has two algometers in her clinic.

  • After the injury, an algometer was used to compare pain sensitivity between the affected and unaffected limbs.

  • Researchers often rely on an algometer to assess pressure-induced pain in clinical trials.

  • The doctor used an algometer to determine the patient's pain threshold during the examination.

Surface Forms

algometer singular
algometers plural

Morphology

algometer = meter (opaque) = algo + meter

The meaning is built from the combining form algo- 'pain' plus meter 'measuring device', but algo- is not transparent for most learners.

Etymology

Algometer comes from the Greek root algos ('pain') and the ending -meter ('measure'), like in thermometer. So an algometer is a tool to 'measure' 'pain', which is why doctors use it to check how strong a person's pain is when they press the skin.