magnetometer

[ mag-ni-tom-i-ter ]

noun

1. an instrument for measuring the intensity of a magnetic field, especially the earth's magnetic field.
2. an instrument for detecting the presence of ferrous or magnetic materials, especially one used to detect concealed weapons at airports.

magnetometer

/ ˌmæɡnɪˈtɒmɪtə; ˌmæɡnɪtəʊˈmɛtrɪk /

noun

1. any instrument for measuring the intensity or direction of a magnetic field, esp the earth's field

magnetometer

/ măg′nĭ-tŏm′ĭ-tər /

1. An instrument for measuring the magnitude and direction of a magnetic field. Magnetometers are often used in archaeological and geological investigations to determine the intensity and direction of the Earth's magnetic field at various times in the past by examining the strength and direction of magnetization of ferromagnetic materials in different geological strata.
2. See also magnetic reversal

Derived Forms

• magnetometric, adjective
• ˌmagneˈtometry, noun

Other Words From

• mag·ne·to·met·ric [mag-nee-t, uh, -, me, -trik], adjective
• magne·tome·try noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of magnetometer¹

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

Example Sentences

Attendees saw Crooks pacing near magnetometers at the event entrance, according to reporting from the Associated Press.

From Los Angeles Times

They anonymously told CNN that officers thought he was acting suspiciously near the event magnetometers.

From BBC

The novel magnetometer, based on continuous-wave optically detected magnetic resonance, marks a significant step towards realizing ambient condition MEG and other practical applications.

From Science Daily

In 2020 Voyager 1’s magnetometer registered an abrupt jump in the intensity of the magnetic fields embedded in the tenuous interstellar plasma while its plasma detector measured a rise in plasma density.

From Science Magazine

Nearly every modern cellphone has a built-in compass, or magnetometer, that detects the direction of Earth's magnetic field, providing critical information for navigation.

From Science Daily