Elaeometer

/ˌɛliːˈɒmɪtər/ noun

Definition

An instrument used to measure the specific gravity or density of oils, helping identify their quality and composition.

Etymology

From Greek 'elaion' (oil) and 'metron' (measure), literally 'oil-measurer,' a compound term for a scientific instrument.

Kelly Says

Before modern chemistry, merchants used elaeometers to authenticate expensive oils and detect fraud—basically the ancient world's quality control test!

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