nilometer

noun

ni·​lom·​e·​ter

nīˈlämətə(r)

often capitalized

: a gauge for measuring the height of water in the Nile especially during its flood

specifically : a graduated scale cut on a natural rock or in the stone wall of a pit communicating with the river

nilometric

¦nīlə¦me‧trik

adjective often capitalized

Word History

Etymology

modification (influenced by English -meter) of New Latin nilometrion, from Greek neilometrion, from Neilos Nile, river in Africa + -metrion (from metron measure)

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