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

For medium-rare, the internal temperature should register about 120 to 125 on an instant-read thermometer. —Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 24 Dec. 2024

That’s where a Chef iQ wireless meat thermometer comes in handy. —Christopher Murray, Fox News, 23 Dec. 2024

Cook custard mixture: Cook over medium, stirring constantly, until mixture coats the back of a spoon and reaches 180°F on an instant-read thermometer, about 4 minutes. —Renu Dhar, Southern Living, 20 Dec. 2024

Transfer the pan to the oven and bake for 10 to 14 minutes, until a meat thermometer registers 140 to 145 degrees F (do not over-bake or your pork chops will be chewy). —Robin Miller, The Arizona Republic, 19 Dec. 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