hydrometer

[ hahy-drom-i-ter ]

noun

1. an instrument for determining the specific gravity of a liquid, commonly consisting of a graduated tube weighted to float upright in the liquid whose specific gravity is being measured.

hydrometer

/ ˌhaɪdrəʊˈmɛtrɪk; haɪˈdrɒmɪtə /

noun

1. an instrument for measuring the relative density of a liquid, usually consisting of a sealed graduated tube with a weighted bulb on one end, the relative density being indicated by the length of the unsubmerged stem

hydrometer

/ hī-drŏm′ĭ-tər /

1. An instrument used to measure the density of a liquid as compared to that of water. Hydrometers consist of a calibrated glass tube ending in a weighted glass sphere that makes the tube stand upright when placed in a liquid. The lower the density of the liquid, the deeper the tube sinks.

Derived Forms

• hydrometric, adjective
• hyˈdrometry, noun
• ˌhydroˈmetrically, adverb

Other Words From

• hy·dro·met·ric [hahy-dr, uh, -, me, -trik], hydro·metri·cal adjective
• hy·drome·try noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of hydrometer¹

First recorded in 1665–75; hydro- ¹ + -meter

Example Sentences

He walks ahead of her with a hydrometer to measure the relative humidity of any space she’s about to enter.

From Los Angeles Times

Mr. Camilo, 29, who was born in the Dominican Republic and grew up in Washington Heights and the Bronx, has made sure to have a hydrometer on hand ever since.

From New York Times

He handed me a white enamel graduate and what looked like a battery hydrometer.

From Literature

It is usually a form of hydrometer with a special scale.

From Project Gutenberg

This weight is ascertained by means of a "hydrometer," a glass tube, stopped, and loaded with some small shot at its lower end.

From Project Gutenberg