clinical thermometer

noun

: a thermometer for measuring body temperature that has a constriction in the tube above the bulb preventing movement of the column of liquid downward once it has reached its maximum temperature so that it continues to indicate the maximum temperature until the liquid is shaken back down into the bulb

Word History

First Known Use

1875, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

clinical thermometer

noun

: a thermometer used to measure body temperature that continues to show the highest temperature reached by a column of liquid until the thermometer is reset by shaking

Medical Definition

clinical thermometer

noun

: a thermometer for measuring body temperature that has a constriction in the tube above the bulb preventing movement of the column of liquid downward once it has reached its maximum temperature so that it continues to indicate the maximum temperature until the liquid is shaken back down into the bulb

called also fever thermometer