gravimeter

American  

[gruh-vim-i-ter] / grəˈvɪm ɪ tər /

noun

1. an instrument for measuring the specific gravity of a solid or liquid.

2. Also called gravity meter.  an instrument for measuring variations in the gravitational field of the earth by detecting differences in weight of an object of constant mass at different points on the earth's surface.

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gravimeter British  

/ ɡrəˈvɪmɪtə /

noun

1. an instrument for measuring the earth's gravitational field at points on its surface

2. an instrument for measuring relative density

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gravimeter Scientific  

/ gră-vĭm′ĭ-tər /

1. An instrument used to measure variations in a gravitational field, typically by measuring the rate of acceleration of a falling body. Gravimeters are used to survey geological features with different densities beneath the Earth's surface, such as ore-laden rock or oil fields, that affect the local strength of gravity above them.

2. An instrument, such as a hydrometer, used to measure the specific gravity of a liquid or solid.

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Other Word Forms

• gravimetry noun

Etymology

Origin of gravimeter

1790–1800; < French gravimètre, equivalent to gravi- (combining form of Latin gravis heavy) + -mètre -meter

Example Sentences

One day in December, a handful of geologists trekked about the site carrying a gravimeter, a blocky instrument that weighs about 25 pounds and is used for surveys.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 21, 2026

The next month, the FBI used highly sensitive equipment called a gravimeter to determine that whatever was behind the wall weighed up to nine tons and had the density of gold.

From Washington Post • Jun. 28, 2021

Enviroscan’s gravimeter also indicated a large metallic mass with the density of gold, according to Warren Getler, who worked closely with the Paradas and the FBI.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 8, 2021

Enviroscan’s gravimeter also indicated a large metallic mass with the density of gold, according to Warren Getler, who worked closely with the Paradas and the FBI.

From Washington Times • Mar. 8, 2021

Sunrise number two adds a touch of blush to the ice pack, as the lasers, radars and gravimeter collect data simultaneously.

From Nature • Nov. 20, 2018