thermocouple

noun

ther·​mo·​cou·​ple ˈthər-mə-ˌkə-pəl 

: a device for measuring temperature in which a pair of wires of dissimilar metals (such as copper and iron) are joined and the free ends of the wires are connected to an instrument (such as a voltmeter) that measures the difference in potential created at the junction of the two metals

Examples of thermocouple in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Devices that use this principle are called thermoelectric couples, or thermocouples. —Benjamin Roulston, The Conversation, 14 Mar. 2025

The thermocouple sensor detects the heat from the pilot light and sends a signal to keep the gas valve open, but if the pilot light is extinguished, then the thermocouple will send a signal to the gas valve to stop the flow of gas to the pilot light. —Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Jan. 2025

These generators converted heat from the radioactive decay of plutonium-238 pellets directly into electricity using bimetallic thermocouples. —Viktor T. Toth, IEEE Spectrum, 30 Nov. 2012

Test to make sure the thermocouple and gas valve are operating properly by extinguishing the pilot light flame and checking to ensure the flow of gas is stopped. —Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Jan. 2025

Additionally, the pilot light can be extinguished by a faulty thermocouple. —Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Nov. 2024

The thermocouple consists of two dissimilar metals, joined together at one end. —IEEE Spectrum, 13 Dec. 2018

Plug the thermocouple into the meter to read air temperature, or insert the temperature probe to take temperature readings of liquids, gels or to track the surface temperature of a gas dryer. —Joseph Truini, Popular Mechanics, 29 Mar. 2022

In the temperature test, thermocouples were placed on the pan surface while in use to evaluate whether the pans heated evenly. —Rennie Dyball, Peoplemag, 16 Mar. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1890, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for thermocouple

• decouple
• uncouple
• couple
• supple

Kids Definition

thermocouple

noun

ther·​mo·​cou·​ple ˈthər-mə-ˌkəp-əl 

: a device for measuring temperature in which a pair of wires of different metals (as copper and iron) are joined and the free ends of the wires are connected to an instrument (as a voltmeter) that measures the difference in potential created at the junction of the two metals

Medical Definition

thermocouple

noun

ther·​mo·​cou·​ple ˈthər-mə-ˌkəp-əl 

: a device for measuring temperature in which a pair of wires of dissimilar metals (as copper and iron) are joined and the free ends of the wires are connected to an instrument (as a voltmeter) that measures the difference in potential created at the junction of the two metals