drunkometer

[ druhng-kom-i-ter ]

noun

1. a device for measuring the amount of alcohol in a person's breath to determine the amount of alcohol in the bloodstream.

Word History and Origins

Origin of drunkometer¹

An Americanism dating back to 1930–35; drunk + -o- + -meter

Example Sentences

Many well-calibrated units are, and the technology has improved dramatically since the original "drunkometer" made its highway debut in 1938.

From Washington Post

He thought that handwriting would make a fine lie-detector test, or a foolproof drunkometer.

From Time Magazine Archive

In Indianapolis, Mallory Hinson was jailed for drunk driving after he refused to take a drunkometer test, confidentially advised cops to test his dog instead, explained that the dog, not he, had been piloting the car.

From Time Magazine Archive

After slugging a Drunkometer, Tibbett was fined $263 on his guilty plea to charges of drunken driving and hitting the truck.

From Time Magazine Archive

In Hot Springs, Ark., a demonstration of a new drunkometer at the Arkansas Municipal Judges Council had to be postponed after Volunteer Detroit Phillips, primed with whisky, vodka, wine and moonshine, passed out just before the show was to go on.

From Time Magazine Archive