Skip to main content
oedometer

oedometer

9.9
A tool that measures how soil gets smaller over time when pressure is put on it
  • noun
  • /ˌiːdəˈmɛtər/
  • Specialized
: oedométrico
  • The geotechnical lab used an oedometer to test the soil sample's consolidation properties.

Examples

  • Before constructing the foundation, engineers performed oedometer tests to assess soil stability.

  • The oedometer measures soil consolidation.

  • A malfunction in the oedometer resulted in inconsistent pressure readings during the experiment.

  • We used an oedometer for our soil tests.

  • Before constructing the foundation, engineers performed oedometer tests to assess soil stability.

  • The geotechnical lab used an oedometer to test the soil sample's consolidation properties.

  • A malfunction in the oedometer resulted in inconsistent pressure readings during the experiment.

Surface Forms

oedometer singular
oedometers plural
edometers plural
edometer singular

Etymology

The word oedometer comes from Greek parts oedo- 'swelling', the same root as oedema, and -meter 'measure'. So an oedometer is a tool that measures how soil swells or shrinks under pressure, which is why engineers use it to check if soil is safe for building.