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

The greater the amount of solid matter dissolved in the sirup, the higher will be hydrometer float.

From Project Gutenberg

For determining the density of sirup, a sirup gauge, or hydrometer, will be found useful.

From Project Gutenberg

Regardless of the kind of juice, the hydrometer should register 25 degrees for perfect jelly.

From Project Gutenberg

It should be wider than the hydrometer, and always filled to the brim.

From Project Gutenberg

The temperature is taken, and the hydrometer is immersed in the fluid.

From Project Gutenberg