bolometer: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical / Scientific
Quick answer
What does “bolometer” mean?
A scientific instrument used to measure the intensity of radiant energy (such as infrared radiation) by detecting the minute changes in electrical resistance caused by absorbed heat.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A scientific instrument used to measure the intensity of radiant energy (such as infrared radiation) by detecting the minute changes in electrical resistance caused by absorbed heat.
Although strictly a piece of laboratory equipment, the term is sometimes used metaphorically in technical literature to describe any highly sensitive device or system designed to detect minute changes or subtle signals.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. The instrument is identically named in both varieties. Usage differences may arise in associated terminology (e.g., 'millimetre-wave' vs. 'millimeter-wave' bolometer).
Connotations
Purely technical and neutral in both regions.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general discourse, but standard within the relevant specialised fields in both the UK and US.
Grammar
How to Use “bolometer” in a Sentence
The [ADJECTIVE] bolometer detected [NOUN PHRASE]Researchers used a bolometer to measure [NOUN PHRASE]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bolometer” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The bolometer's readings were crucial for the astrophysics experiment.
- They developed a novel bolometer for the telescope array.
American English
- The sensitivity of the bolometer determines the experiment's success.
- Funding was secured for a next-generation bolometer.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used. Might appear in highly technical R&D reports or patent documents for sensor companies.
Academic
Core term in physics, astronomy, and engineering papers discussing the detection of electromagnetic radiation, especially at sub-millimetre wavelengths.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
The primary domain. Used in specifications, lab reports, and technical manuals for instruments measuring radiant heat or low-intensity light.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bolometer”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bolometer”
- Misspelling as 'barometer' or 'bolometre'.
- Using it to refer to general temperature sensors (like thermocouples).
- Pronouncing it with stress on the first syllable (/ˈbɒləmiːtə/). Correct stress is on the second syllable.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While both respond to temperature, a thermometer measures the temperature of its own bulk or a contacting substance. A bolometer is specifically designed to absorb electromagnetic radiation (like light or radio waves) and measure the resulting tiny temperature increase.
You are unlikely to encounter one directly. They are used inside specialised scientific equipment, such as space telescopes (e.g., Herschel Space Observatory), ground-based radio telescopes, and laboratory spectrometers for material analysis.
It comes from the Greek word 'bolē', meaning 'a throw' or 'a ray' (of light). Thus, it relates to radiation.
Yes, in principle, if it is designed with an absorber suitable for visible wavelengths. However, bolometers are most advantageous for measuring low-intensity radiation where other detectors (like photodiodes) are less sensitive, such as in the far-infrared, microwave, and radio bands.
A scientific instrument used to measure the intensity of radiant energy (such as infrared radiation) by detecting the minute changes in electrical resistance caused by absorbed heat.
Bolometer is usually technical / scientific in register.
Bolometer: in British English it is pronounced /bəʊˈlɒm.ɪ.tə/, and in American English it is pronounced /boʊˈlɑː.mə.t̬ɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'BOLO' as in 'Be On the Look Out' for very small amounts of heat, and '-meter' as a measuring device. A **bolometer** is always on the lookout for tiny temperature changes.
Conceptual Metaphor
A THERMOMETER FOR LIGHT. It conceptualises invisible radiation (like infrared light) as a form of heat that can be measured like temperature.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a bolometer?