An instrument that measures the percentage of alcohol in a liquid, typically by floating or sinking according to density.
Compound of 'alcohol' (Arabic al-kohl) and '-meter' (Greek metron). This term became standard in the 19th century for instruments that measure spirit strength, similar to a hydrometer but specifically designed for alcoholic beverages.
The alcoholometer is basically a specially designed hydrometer, and brewers and distillers loved having a tool with a fancy Greek-sounding name — it made their craft seem more scientific and respectable!
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