colorimeter: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical
Quick answer
What does “colorimeter” mean?
A device that measures the intensity of colour in a solution.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A device that measures the intensity of colour in a solution.
An instrument used in chemistry, physics, and engineering to quantify the concentration of a substance by measuring the absorption of specific wavelengths of light, often employing a photoelectric cell.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: 'colourimeter' is a valid British variant, though 'colorimeter' is standard in scientific literature in both regions. Pronunciation differs slightly (see IPA).
Connotations
Identical technical connotations in both regions.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language, but standard term in relevant scientific fields (chemistry, food science, water treatment).
Grammar
How to Use “colorimeter” in a Sentence
N (for N)V N with NN be used to VVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “colorimeter” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- n/a
American English
- n/a
adverb
British English
- n/a
American English
- n/a
adjective
British English
- n/a
American English
- n/a
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in specific manufacturing QA contexts (e.g., 'The QA lab uses a colorimeter to ensure dye consistency').
Academic
Common in chemistry, biology, environmental science, and engineering research papers and lab manuals.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
The primary domain. Used to describe standard laboratory equipment.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “colorimeter”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “colorimeter”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “colorimeter”
- Misspelling as 'colorometer' or 'colourmeter'. Incorrect pronunciation stressing the second syllable (/kəˈlɒrɪmiːtə/). Using it to refer to paint mixing tools or screen colour calibrators (which are 'colorimeters' in a broader engineering sense, but context is key).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A colorimeter typically uses broad-band filters and measures tristimulus values (like human colour perception), while a spectrophotometer measures intensity at many specific wavelengths across the spectrum, providing more detailed data.
Yes, in fields like food technology (measuring food colour), water treatment (testing for contaminants), and printing/photography, though the specific device may be adapted for the industry.
In British English: /ˌkʌl.əˈrɪm.ɪ.tər/. In American English: /ˌkʌl.əˈrɪm.ə.t̬ɚ/. The primary stress is on the third syllable.
No, 'colorimeter' is solely a noun. The related verb is 'to colorimetrize' (rare) or more commonly, 'to measure colorimetrically'.
A device that measures the intensity of colour in a solution.
Colorimeter is usually technical in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “n/a”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'COLOR' + 'I METER' (I measure) -> I measure colour.
Conceptual Metaphor
EYE AS MEASURING DEVICE (An instrument that 'sees' and quantifies colour like a human eye, but precisely).
Practice
Quiz
A colorimeter is primarily used to: