goniometer

American  

[goh-nee-om-i-ter] / ˌgoʊ niˈɒm ɪ tər /

noun

1. an instrument for measuring solid angles, as of crystals.

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goniometer British  

/ ˌɡəʊnɪˈɒmɪtə, ˌɡəʊnɪəˈmɛtrɪk /

noun

1. an instrument for measuring the angles between the faces of a crystal

2. an instrument consisting of a transformer circuit connected to two directional aerials, used to determine the bearing of a distant radio station

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Other Word Forms

• goniometric adjective
• goniometrical adjective
• goniometrically adverb
• goniometry noun

Etymology

Origin of goniometer

First recorded in 1760–70; gonio- + -meter

Example Sentences

Several forms of instruments depending on this principle have been devised, the earliest being the vertical-circle goniometer of W. H. Wollaston, made in 1809.

From Project Gutenberg

He had dreamt vaguely, unsubstantially, the while he had arranged his pressures and temperatures and infinitesimal ingredients, and worked with goniometer and trial models and the new calculating machine he had contrived for his research.

From Project Gutenberg

We bought a goniometer, and Dr. Wollaston, who often dined with us, taught Somerville and me how to use it, by measuring the angles of many of our crystals during the evening.

From Project Gutenberg

I'll bet you a small farm against a plugged nickel that right now he's working his goniometer so hard that it's pivots are getting hot.

From Project Gutenberg

Wollaston in 1812, with the aid of his newly invented reflective goniometer, to be 74� 55′.

From Project Gutenberg