phonometer

American  

[fuh-nom-i-ter, foh-] / fəˈnɒm ɪ tər, foʊ- /

noun

1. a device for measuring the intensity of a sound.

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phonometer British  

/ fəˈnɒmɪtə, ˌfəʊnəˈmɛtrɪk /

noun

1. an apparatus that measures the intensity of sound, esp one calibrated in phons

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Other Word Forms

• phonometric adjective
• phonometry noun

Etymology

Origin of phonometer

First recorded in 1815–25; phono- + -meter

Example Sentences

The sound enters the two horns of the phonometer, is focused at the neck, and strikes on a delicate diaphragm, behind which is a needle.

From The Treasure-Train by Reeve, Arthur B. (Arthur Benjamin)

The light of the phonometer had flashed up.

From The Treasure-Train by Reeve, Arthur B. (Arthur Benjamin)

So it is only necessary to twist the phonometer about on its pivot until the sound is received most loudly in the horns and the band of light is greatest.

From The Treasure-Train by Reeve, Arthur B. (Arthur Benjamin)

Without the phonometer to warn us, it must inevitably have met us and blocked our escape over the road ahead.

From The Treasure-Train by Reeve, Arthur B. (Arthur Benjamin)

Banging and pounding, we forged ahead, straining our eyes to watch the road, the distance, the time, and the phonometer all at once.

From The Treasure-Train by Reeve, Arthur B. (Arthur Benjamin)