dry-bulb temperature

[ drahy-buhlb tem-per-uh-cher, tem-per-cher, tem-puh-cher ]

noun

, Meteorology.

1. the temperature measured by a dry-bulb thermometer, representing the ambient temperature without calculating the effect of humidity. : DBT Compare wet-bulb temperature ( def ).

Word History and Origins

Origin of dry-bulb temperature¹

First recorded in 1840–50

Example Sentences

It’s generally much lower than the dry-bulb temperature, and it’s a better indicator of the humid heat that humans and other large mammals find hardest to deal with.

From National Geographic

It’s called that because it can be measured with a thermometer wrapped in a wet cloth, distinguishing it from the commonly reported dry-bulb temperature, measured in open air.

From New York Times