Expansometer

/ˌɪkspænˈsɑːmɪtər/ noun

Definition

An instrument that measures the amount of expansion in a material, especially when heated.

Etymology

Compound word: expanso- (from Latin 'expansus', expanded) combined with -meter (from Greek 'metron', measure). This is a technical term from physics developed in the 19th century.

Kelly Says

An expansometer is essentially a physicist's thermometer's cousin—while a thermometer measures temperature, an expansometer actually measures the physical expansion happening as a result. This tool helped scientists understand that heat causes materials to expand at predictable, measurable rates.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.