gravimeter

noun

gra·​vi·​me·​ter gra-ˈvi-mə-tər  ˈgra-və-ˌmē- 

: a sensitive weighing instrument for measuring variations in a gravitational field (as of a planet)

Examples of gravimeter in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The researchers’ simulations found that such signals could be detectable in orbital data from Global Navigation Satellite Systems, as well as gravimeters that measure variations in Earth’s gravitational field. —Clara Moskowitz, Scientific American, 24 Sep. 2024

The same trick doesn’t work over floating ice, so each aircraft carries a gravimeter to determine how much water is below the ice. —IEEE Spectrum, 28 Jan. 2013

Also at Rimpac, Vector Atomic demonstrated a compact quantum gravimeter paired with a standard inertial navigation system that promises to allow naval ships to navigate without GPS. —Jeremy Bogaisky, Forbes, 13 Feb. 2023

And a gravimeter picks up tiny changes in Earth’s gravitational field, perfectly mapping the seafloor’s rocky bottom. —Eric Betz, Discover Magazine, 19 May 2017

Enviroscan’s gravimeter also indicated a large metallic mass with the density of gold, according to Warren Getler, who worked closely with the Paradas and the FBI. —Time, 9 Mar. 2021

Word History

Etymology

earlier, "device for determining the specific gravity of a substance," borrowed from French gravimètre, from gravi- gravi- + -mètre -meter

First Known Use

1932, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

gravimeter

noun

gra·​vi·​me·​ter gra-ˈvim-ət-ər  ˈgrav-ə-ˌmēt- 

: an instrument for measuring differences in the force of gravity at different places

Medical Definition

gravimeter

noun

gra·​vi·​me·​ter gra-ˈvim-ət-ər  ˈgrav-ə-ˌmēt-ər 

: a device similar to a hydrometer for determining specific gravity