penetrometer
1
9.2
- noun
- /ˌpɛnəˈtrɒmɪtər/
- Specialized
- For example, Labex brought together ARS and EMBRAPA researchers to test a combined penetrometer-moisture probe that was recently developed in Brazil as a new device to measure soil strength (resistance to penetration and compaction) and water content.
Examples
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All laboratory and field tests were conducted according to the recommendation of the Regional Network for Agricultural Machinery (RNAM, 1983). Cone index values were obtained by taking penetrometer readings over the plowing depth.
Academic text (2013) -
A penetrometer helps Washington State University research associate Chris Pannkuk analyze soil resistance in a badly eroded wheat field.
Academic text (1995) -
In a long-term no-till experiment, soil scientists Clyde Douglas and Paul Rasmussen use a recording penetrometer to collect soil strength measurements.
Academic text (1999) -
It was packing a dynamic penetrometer and a radiation densitometer intended to measure soil density and was tethered to the Mars-3 lander by a power and data cable.
Blog text (26) -
The penetrometer is used to assess how easily the soil can be compressed under pressure.
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Researchers employed a penetrometer to determine the strength of the soil at the construction site.
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By using a penetrometer, farmers can measure how well the soil holds up against compaction from heavy machinery.
Synonyms
52
3.9
A device that shows how much or how full something is, like a fuel meter
1
9.9
An instrument that measures how hard materials like rubber or metal are
A tool that measures how hard materials are by pressing a diamond tip into them
Surface Forms
Morphology
penetrometer = penetrate (semi-transparent) = penetro + meter
The meaning is broadly inferable from 'penetrate' plus the measuring element '-meter', but the term is technical and specialized.
Etymology
Penetrometer comes from the root penetr-, as in penetrate, meaning 'to go into', and the ending -meter, as in thermometer, meaning 'measure'. So a penetrometer is a tool that measures how easily something, like soil, can be pushed into or compressed.