thermometer /ther·mom·e·ter/ (ther-mom´ĕ-ter) an instrument for determining temperatures, in principle making use of a substance with a physical property that varies with temperature and is susceptible of measurement on some defined scale.
thermometer
thermometer,
clinical thermometer one used to determine the temperature of the human body.
infrared tympanic thermometer a clinical thermometer inserted into the external acoustic meatus to determine the body temperature by measuring the infrared radiation emanating from the tympanic membrane.
oral thermometer a clinical thermometer that is placed under the tongue.
recording thermometer a temperature-sensitive instrument by which the temperature to which it is exposed is continuously recorded.
rectal thermometer a clinical thermometer that is inserted into the rectum.
tympanic thermometer infrared tympanic t.
ther·mom·e·ter (th r-m m  -tr)n. An instrument for measuring temperature. |
thermometer
[thermom′ətər]
Etymology: Gk, thermē + metron, measure
an instrument for measuring temperature. Originally, it consisted of a sealed glass tube, was marked in degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit, and contained liquid such as mercury or alcohol. The liquid rises or falls as it expands or contracts according to changes in temperature. See also air thermometer, clinical thermometer, electronic thermometer, mercury thermometer, rectal thermometer, surface thermometer, tympanic membrane thermometer, wet-and-dry-bulb thermometer.
thermometer,
n instrument used for taking temperature readings. Varying designs of the thermometer allow the temperature to be taken in the oral cavity, rectum, or externally at the axillary or groin areas.
thermometer, external,
n a reading from a thermometer taken at an external location (the armpit or groin) instead of by an internal method (the oral cavity or rectum).
thermometer, rectal,
n a thermometer used to take temperature readings by insertion into the rectum of the patient.
thermometer
an instrument for determining temperatures, in principle making use of a substance (such as alcohol or mercury) with a physical property that varies with temperature and is susceptible of measurement on some defined scale.
Celsius thermometer
one employing the Celsius scale, that is, with the ice point at 0 (0°C) and the normal boiling point of water at 100 degrees (100°C).
centigrade thermometer
one having the interval between two established reference points divided into 100 equal units, as the Celsius thermometer.
clinical thermometer
one used to determine the temperature of the patient in clinical situations.
electronic thermometer
a clinical thermometer using a sensor based on thermistors, solid-state electronic devices whose electrical characteristics change with temperature. The reading is recorded within seconds, some having a red light or other device to indicate when maximum temperature is reached. Available models include handheld, desk-top and wall-mounted units, all having probes that are inserted orally or rectally. It is expected that electronic thermometers worn by the patient will have some use.
Fahrenheit thermometer
one employing the Fahrenheit scale, that is, with the ice point at 32 and the normal boiling point of water at 212 degrees (212°F).
Kelvin thermometer
one employing the kelvin scale.
recording thermometer
a temperature-sensitive instrument by which the temperature to which it is exposed is continuously recorded.
rectal thermometer
a clinical thermometer that is inserted in the rectum for determining body temperature.
resistance thermometer
one that uses the electric resistance of metals for determining temperature (thermocouple).
self-registering thermometer
recording thermometer.
How to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit webmaster's page for free fun content.
| ?Page tools | ||
|---|---|---|
|