A precision instrument used to measure very small vertical distances or heights, especially in laboratory experiments involving liquids or gases.
From cathetus (Greek, 'perpendicular') plus -meter (from Greek metron, 'measure'). The instrument was developed in the 17th-18th centuries for scientific measurement.
A cathetometer is so precise it can measure the height difference between liquid levels in different containers to within a fraction of a millimeter—perfect for studying how gases behave!
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.