clinical thermometer (redirected from clinical thermometers)

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.

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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.

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clinical thermometer

n.

A thermometer having a graduated glass tube with a bulb containing a liquid, typically mercury or colored alcohol, that expands and rises in the tube as the temperature increases.

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clinical thermometer

Etymology: Gk, kline, bed, thermē, heat, metron, measure

an electronic thermometer with disposable sheaths, designed for measuring body temperature. Measurement can be oral, rectal, axillary, or facial. Formerly called bedside thermometer.

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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.

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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.