thermometer

noun

ther·​mom·​e·​ter thər-ˈmä-mə-tər 

thə-ˈmä-mə-tər

plural thermometers

: an instrument for determining temperature

specifically : one consisting of a sensor housed in a metal probe that registers a change in electrical resistance as a change in temperature

thermometric

ˌthər-mə-ˈme-trik 

adjective

thermometrically

ˌthər-mə-ˈme-tri-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Examples of thermometer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The thermometer should reach the area of the meat that may have received the least amount of heat, such as the interior center of a burger. —Lauren David, Southern Living, 15 Dec. 2024

Cook foods to proper temperatures by using a cooking thermometer, especially when cooking meats. —Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 8 Dec. 2024

Lower 48's Coldest: Montana In the continental U.S., the coldest temperature was recorded in Rogers Pass, Montana, on January 20, 1954, when the thermometer hit -70°F. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 29 Nov. 2024

Use a meat thermometer to ensure that meat and other leftovers reach at least 165 F like Shruthi Baskaran-Makanju of Urban Farmie does. —Food Drink Life, Twin Cities, 28 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

French thermomètre, from Greek thermē heat + French -o- + -mètre -meter — more at therm

First Known Use

1633, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing thermometer

• clinical thermometer
• dry bulb thermometer
• forehead thermometer
• temporal artery thermometer
• temporal thermometer

Kids Definition

thermometer

noun

ther·​mom·​e·​ter thə(r)-ˈmäm-ət-ər 

: an instrument for measuring temperature

thermometric

ˌthər-mə-ˈme-trik 

adjective

Medical Definition

thermometer

noun

ther·​mom·​e·​ter thə(r)-ˈmäm-ət-ər 

: an instrument for determining temperature that usually consists either of a device providing a digital readout or of a glass bulb attached to a fine tube of glass with a numbered scale and containing a liquid (as mercury or colored alcohol) that is sealed in and rises and falls with changes of temperature