ceilometer: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very lowTechnical/specialized
Quick answer
What does “ceilometer” mean?
An instrument that measures the height of the base of a cloud above the ground.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An instrument that measures the height of the base of a cloud above the ground.
A specialized optical or laser-based device used in meteorology and aviation to determine cloud ceiling for weather observations and flight safety.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage between British and American English.
Connotations
Highly technical term with identical professional connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally rare in both varieties, confined to meteorological and aviation specialists.
Grammar
How to Use “ceilometer” in a Sentence
The ceilometer measures XReadings from the ceilometer show YThe airport installed a new ceilometerVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used in business contexts
Academic
Used in meteorology and atmospheric science research papers
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation
Technical
Standard term in aviation weather reports, meteorological instrumentation, and airport equipment documentation
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “ceilometer”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “ceilometer”
- Spelling: 'ceiliometer' (extra 'i')
- Pronunciation stress on wrong syllable: 'CEIL-ometer' instead of 'ceil-OM-eter'
- Confusing with 'hygrometer' or 'barometer'
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it's a highly specialized technical term used mainly in meteorology and aviation.
No, it's exclusively a noun referring to the instrument itself.
Meteorologists, aviation weather observers, airport operations staff, and atmospheric researchers.
A ceilometer is a specific instrument that measures cloud height, while a weather station typically includes multiple instruments for various measurements.
An instrument that measures the height of the base of a cloud above the ground.
Ceilometer is usually technical/specialized in register.
Ceilometer: in British English it is pronounced /siːˈlɒmɪtə/, and in American English it is pronounced /siːˈlɑːmɪtər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
CEILing + meter = CEILOmeter (measures how high the ceiling of clouds is)
Conceptual Metaphor
MEASURING THE SKY'S CEILING
Practice
Quiz
What does a ceilometer primarily measure?