acidimeter
Very low (C2+ / Technical)Technical/Scientific
Definition
Meaning
A scientific instrument used to measure the strength or concentration of an acid in a solution.
In broader technical contexts, any apparatus or method for determining acidity, though now largely superseded by pH meters.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
A highly specific term from analytical chemistry. It denotes a class of instruments, not a single specific device. Historically used for titration-based methods.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Spelling is consistent.
Connotations
In both varieties, it carries strong connotations of laboratory science, historical methodology, and precision measurement.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both. Slightly more likely to be encountered in historical or specialized chemical texts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The chemist used an acidimeter to determine the concentration.Measurements were taken with a calibrated acidimeter.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in historical or specialized chemistry papers discussing measurement techniques.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Primary domain. Found in analytical chemistry, quality control labs (e.g., for vinegar, battery acid), and historical scientific literature.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The old laboratory manual described how to use an acidimeter.
- They checked the vinegar's strength with a simple acidimeter.
- Prior to the advent of digital pH meters, the acidimeter was a staple of the analytical chemist's toolkit.
- The acidimeter's readings indicated a sulphuric acid concentration of 0.5 molar.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: ACID + METER (like a thermometer, but for acid). It 'meters' or measures acid.
Conceptual Metaphor
TOOL AS A SENSOR (A device that extends human senses to perceive chemical properties).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with "ацидиметр" (direct equivalent, but rare). Avoid mistranslation as "кислотный измеритель" which is a calque.
- The suffix "-meter" consistently indicates a measuring device, not a unit of length.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'acidometer' (a synonym) or 'acidometre'.
- Confusing it with a device that *produces* acid.
- Using it as a general term for any chemical analyzer.
Practice
Quiz
An acidimeter is primarily used to:
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are related but not identical. An acidimeter specifically measures acid concentration (often via titration), while a modern pH meter measures the pH (acidity/basicity) on a logarithmic scale. A pH meter is a more general and common instrument.
Almost exclusively in historical scientific texts, very specialized chemistry contexts, or in discussions about the history of laboratory instrumentation. It is not a common term in modern practice.
No. It is a highly technical term. In everyday situations, you would say 'pH test strips' or 'pH meter' if referring to a common device for checking acidity.
An acidimeter measures the strength of acids, while an alkalimeter measures the strength of alkalis (bases). They are conceptually opposite tools for analytical chemistry.