Brontometer

/brɒnˈtɒmɪtər/ noun

Definition

An instrument designed to measure or detect the intensity and distance of thunder during a storm.

Etymology

From Greek 'bronte' (thunder) and 'metron' (measure). Scientists created this term in the 18th century as they attempted to quantify the powerful acoustic phenomena of thunderstorms.

Kelly Says

Before electronic sound-level meters, scientists actually tried to build special instruments just to measure thunder—now your phone does it better with a free app.

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