aneroid capsule: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical
Quick answer
What does “aneroid capsule” mean?
A sealed, flexible metal chamber containing a partial vacuum, designed to expand or contract in response to changes in atmospheric pressure.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A sealed, flexible metal chamber containing a partial vacuum, designed to expand or contract in response to changes in atmospheric pressure.
The core sensing element in an aneroid barometer or altimeter that physically deforms as external air pressure changes, enabling the measurement of pressure or altitude.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No lexical differences. The technical term is identical in both dialects.
Connotations
Neutral technical component in both contexts.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both technical engineering and meteorological contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “aneroid capsule” in a Sentence
The [instrument] uses/contains an aneroid capsule.An aneroid capsule [verbs: expands/contracts/deforms] under pressure.Changes in pressure are detected by the aneroid capsule.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “aneroid capsule” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The aneroid-capsule mechanism is remarkably sensitive.
- We studied the aneroid-capsule principle.
American English
- The aneroid-capsule design is over a century old.
- Check the aneroid-capsule unit for leaks.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Academic
Studied in physics and engineering courses covering pressure measurement principles.
Everyday
Virtually never used. A person might encounter the term in a manual for an antique barometer.
Technical
Used in meteorology, aviation (altimeters), and instrument engineering when describing the mechanism of aneroid barometers.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “aneroid capsule”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “aneroid capsule”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “aneroid capsule”
- Pronouncing it as 'an-roid' (missing the 'e' sound).
- Confusing it with a mercury barometer.
- Using it as a general term for any sensor.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The aneroid capsule is the key internal sensing component. The barometer is the complete instrument, which includes the capsule, a mechanical linkage, and a dial or scale.
It will fail completely. The vacuum inside is essential for its operation. If air enters, it will no longer expand or contract correctly with external pressure changes.
Inside an aneroid barometer (for weather forecasting) or an aircraft's pressure altimeter. Some older blood pressure monitors (sphygmomanometers) also used them.
The word comes from French 'anéroïde', from Greek 'a-' meaning 'without' and 'nēros' meaning 'wet, liquid'. It distinguishes this dry, mechanical device from liquid-based (e.g., mercury) barometers.
A sealed, flexible metal chamber containing a partial vacuum, designed to expand or contract in response to changes in atmospheric pressure.
Aneroid capsule is usually technical in register.
Aneroid capsule: in British English it is pronounced /ˈæn.ə.rɔɪd ˈkæp.sjuːl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈæn.ə.rɔɪd ˈkæp.suːl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine an empty, squashed drink can (AN ERoded can) that sucks in and pushes out as the weather changes. That's an ANEROID CAPSULE.
Conceptual Metaphor
A mechanical lung that breathes with the atmosphere's weight.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of an aneroid capsule?