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Glite Dictionary
velocimeter

velocimeter

9.1
A tool that measures how fast something moves
  • noun
  • /vəˈlɑsɪˌmiːtər/
  • Specialized
translation icon : velocímetro
  • The engineer used a velocimeter to accurately measure the speed of the racing car during the test.

Examples

  • Velocity measurements were obtained using a micro-acoustic Doppler velocimeter, with boundary-layer development promoted by a Counihan vortex generator (Counihan 1969).

    Academic text (2018)

  • Real-time signal analyzer systems offer processing of laser Doppler velocimeter and phase Doppler particle analyzer signals, high performance, and ease of use.

    Academic text (1995)

  • To ensure safety, the scientists checked the velocimeter readings of the moving train before it entered the tunnel.

  • Using a velocimeter, the team monitored the speed of the wind during the storm to assess potential damage.

Synonyms

speedometer
vsvelocimeter
11 3.3

A device on a car dashboard that shows how fast it is going

applies to measuring any moving object and not only to vehicles
Speedo
vsvelocimeter
  • UK
10 7.3

A part of a car that shows how fast it is moving

is the neutral technical term rather than a casual name
speed indicator
vsvelocimeter
1 3.0

A device that shows how fast a car or other vehicle is moving

applies to measuring any moving object rather than only vehicles

How Precise

radar
  • Specialized
367 4.1
velocimeter
  • Specialized
9.1
speedometer
11 3.3

Surface Forms

velocimeter singular
velocimeters plural

Morphology

velocimeter = velocity + meter (semi-transparent) = veloci + meter

The meaning is fairly clear once 'velocity' and 'meter' are recognized, but the form is a technical classical construction rather than an everyday English word.

Etymology

Velocimeter comes from the Latin root veloc- meaning 'swift' and the ending -meter meaning 'measure', like the familiar speedometer. So a velocimeter is a device that 'measures' how 'fast' something moves.