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magnetometer

- 6 dictionary results

mag⋅ne⋅tom⋅e⋅ter

[mag-ni-tom-i-ter]
–noun
1. an instrument for measuring the intensity of a magnetic field, esp. the earth's magnetic field.
2. an instrument for detecting the presence of ferrous or magnetic materials, esp. one used to detect concealed weapons at airports.

Origin:
1820–30; magneto- + -meter


mag⋅ne⋅to⋅met⋅ric [mag-nee-tuh-me-trik] , adjective
mag⋅ne⋅tom⋅e⋅try, noun
mag·ne·tom·e·ter   (māg'nĭ-tŏm'ĭ-tər)   
n.  An instrument for measuring the magnitude and direction of a magnetic field.
mag'ne·to·met'ric (-tə-mět'rĭk) adj., mag'ne·tom'e·try n.

Magnetometer

Mag`net*om"e*ter\, n. [Magneto- + -meter: cf. F. magn['e]tom[`e]tre.] (Physics) An instrument for measuring the intensity of magnetic forces; also, less frequently, an instrument for determining any of the terrestrial magnetic elements, as the dip and declination.

Main Entry: mag·ne·tom·e·ter
Pronunciation: "mag-n&-'täm-&t-&r
Function: noun
: an instrument used to detect thepresence of a metallic object or to measure the intensity of a magnetic field —mag·ne·to·met·ric /mag-"nEt-&-'me-trik, -"net-/ adjectivemag·ne·tom·e·try /"mag-n&-'täm-&-trE/ noun plural -tries
magnetometer   (māg'nĭ-tŏm'ĭ-tər)  Pronunciation Key 
An instrument for measuring the magnitude and direction of a magnetic field. Magnetometers are often used in archaeological and geological investigations to determine the intensity and direction of the Earth's magnetic field at various times in the past by examining the strength and direction of magnetization of ferromagnetic materials in different geological strata. See also magnetic reversal.

magnetometer

instrument for measuring the strength and sometimes the direction of magnetic fields, including those on or near the Earth and in space. Magnetometers are also used to calibrate electromagnets and permanent magnets and to determine the magnetization of materials

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