Geiger counter

noun

1. an instrument for detecting ionizing radiations, consisting of a gas-filled tube in which electric-current pulses are produced when the gas is ionized by radiation, and of a device to register these pulses: used chiefly to measure radioactivity.

Geiger counter

/ ˈɡaɪɡəˈmʊlə /

noun

1. See proportional counter
   an instrument for detecting and measuring the intensity of ionizing radiation. It consists of a gas-filled tube containing a fine wire anode along the axis of a cylindrical cathode with a potential difference of several hundred volts. Any particle or photon which ionizes any number of gas molecules in the tube causes a discharge which is registered by electronic equipment. The magnitude of the discharge does not depend upon the nature or the energy of the ionizing particle Compare proportional counter

Geiger counter

1. An electronic instrument that detects and measures nuclear radiation, such as x-rays or gamma rays. The Geiger counter consists of a gas-filled tube with a charged electrode connected to a counter. As radiation passes through the gas it ionizes atoms along its path. The ions are attracted to the charged electrode, creating pulses of electric current that are registered by the counter.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Geiger counter¹

First recorded in 1920–25; named after H. Geiger

Word History and Origins

Origin of Geiger counter¹

C20: named after Hans Geiger and W. Müller, 20th-century German physicist

Example Sentences

A civil defense official brought up a Geiger counter, but no matter how he shook it and rapped on it, it refused to click.

From Project Gutenberg

Nothing goes in or out of the Shed without passing close to a Geiger counter.

From Project Gutenberg

But who would go to the trouble of carrying a Geiger counter for such devious purposes?

From Project Gutenberg

I steadied myself and concentrated on thinking whether I should attach any special significance to her carrying a Geiger counter.

From Project Gutenberg

Then he went to a cabinet and pulled out a Geiger counter, carried it over to the wastebasket.

From Project Gutenberg