variometer

[ vair-ee-om-i-ter ]

noun

1. Electricity. an instrument for measuring inductance, consisting essentially of an inductor with two or more coils whose relative position may be changed to vary the inductance.
2. an instrument for indicating a change in a component of a magnetic field vector, especially one related to the earth's magnetic field.
3. Aeronautics. an instrument that indicates the rate of climb or descent.

variometer

/ ˌvɛərɪˈɒmɪtə /

noun

1. an instrument for measuring variations in a magnetic field, used esp for studying the magnetic field of the earth
2. electronics a variable inductor consisting of a movable coil mounted inside and connected in series with a fixed coil
3. a sensitive rate-of-climb indicator, used mainly in gliders

Word History and Origins

Origin of variometer¹

1895–1900; vari- ( various ) + -o- + -meter

Example Sentences

GlideMate also tracks rates of ascent or descent, mimicking a device called a variometer and allowing him to leave some bulky gear behind when he flies.

From Washington Post

“No, in this set we use a variometer in the plate circuit instead,” said Thompson.

From Project Gutenberg

That’s what we arrange to do in a variable inductance of the variometer type.

From Project Gutenberg

The modern radio receiving set includes various devices, such as variable condensers, variocouplers, loose-couplers, variometers, the purpose of which is to "tune" or adjust the receiving set to be capable of receiving the radio waves.

From Project Gutenberg

The telegraph sending keys, field and battery switch, dry battery, variometer and antenna reel are the only units included inside the fuselage.

From Project Gutenberg