dry-bulb temperature

noun

ˈdrī-ˈbəlb- 

variants or dry bulb temperature

plural dry-bulb temperatures or dry bulb temperatures

: the temperature of the atmosphere measured by or as if by a dry-bulb thermometer

When people refer to the temperature of the air, they are normally referring to its dry-bulb temperature because the air temperature is indicated by a thermometer not affected by the moisture of the air.

—Christopher Lane II

Note: The dry-bulb temperature can be used in combination with the wet-bulb temperature to determine the humidity of the atmosphere.

Word History

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined above