penetrometer

[ pen-i-trom-i-ter ]

noun

1. a device for measuring the penetrating penetrating power of x-ray or other radiations.
2. a device for measuring the penetrability of a solid.

penetrometer

/ ˌpɛnɪˈtrɒmɪtə /

noun

1. physics an instrument used to measure the penetrating power of radiation, such as X-rays

penetrometer

/ pĕn′ĭ-trŏm′ĭ-tər /

1. A device for measuring the penetrating power of electromagnetic radiation, especially x-rays.
2. A device for measuring the denseness, compaction, or penetrability of a substance, such as soil, agricultural produce, or semisolid petroleum products. A penetrometer typically measures the resistance of the substance to penetration to a given depth by a weight-driven cone or needle of a given shape.

Word History and Origins

Origin of penetrometer¹

First recorded in 1900–05; penetr(ate) + -o- + -meter

Example Sentences

Arc day itself has dawned under a leaden sky, and 15mm of rain overnight – in a total of 23mm in the last 24 hours – has seen the ground at Longchamp ease to holding with a penetrometer reading of 4.2.

From The Guardian

“Tests on Earth showed that the rod-shaped penetrometer is able to push smaller stones to the side, which is very time-consuming.”

From Scientific American

A 100-pound weight dropped on containers simulated the full-body slams favored by grizzlies, while a “penetrometer” — a thrusting, conical piece of metal — mimicked a bear tooth.

From Washington Post

The penetrometer, which assesses flesh firmness, is essentially a hole punch.

From The New Yorker

Nevertheless, the larger problem remains: when an apple is perfectly ripe, according to a penetrometer or a person’s palate, it is no longer part of the harvest.

From The New Yorker