altimeter

American  

[al-tim-i-ter, al-tuh-mee-ter] / ælˈtɪm ɪ tər, ˈæl təˌmi tər /

noun

1. a sensitive aneroid barometer that is graduated and calibrated, used chiefly in aircraft for finding distance above sea level, terrain, or some other reference point by a comparison of air pressures.

2. any device used for the same purpose that operates by some other means, as by radio waves.

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altimeter British  

/ ælˈtɪmɪtə, ˈæltɪˌmiːtə /

noun

1. an instrument that indicates height above sea level, esp one based on an aneroid barometer and fitted to an aircraft

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altimeter Scientific  

/ ăl-tĭm′ĭ-tər /

1. An instrument that measures and indicates the height above sea level at which an object, such as an airplane, is located.

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Etymology

Origin of altimeter

First recorded in 1820–30; alti- + -meter

Example Sentences

“Instead the microwave altimeter’s wider footprint allowed Chandrayaan-3 to better tolerate abrupt changes in altitude,” explains Priyanka Mehrotra of SAC, who is lead system designer of Chandrayaan-3’s Ka-Band microwave altimeter.

From Scientific American • Aug. 23, 2023

The Federal Communications Commission granted them licenses for the C-Band spectrum and dismissed any risk of interference, saying there was ample buffer between C-Band and altimeter frequencies.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 30, 2023

The scientist verified the altitude of trees using a handheld altimeter.

From BBC • Jun. 14, 2023

At the time, pilots used the altimeter, which measures altitude, terrain charts and visual cues to avoid accidents.

From New York Times • Jun. 2, 2023

“One thousand five hundred meters,” the altimeter calls out.

From "The Last Cuentista" by Donna Barba Higuera