coulometer: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very RareHighly Technical / Scientific
Quick answer
What does “coulometer” mean?
A scientific instrument for measuring electric charge or the quantity of electricity by the chemical action produced.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A scientific instrument for measuring electric charge or the quantity of electricity by the chemical action produced.
In analytical chemistry and electrochemistry, a device used to determine the amount of substance transformed during an electrolytic reaction by precisely measuring the total electric charge passed.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or usage differences. Spelling is consistent.
Connotations
Technical, precise, laboratory-specific. No cultural connotations.
Frequency
Equally rare and confined to identical scientific fields in both variants.
Grammar
How to Use “coulometer” in a Sentence
The [experimenter] used a [type] coulometer to determine the [quantity].Measurements were verified with a coulometer.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “coulometer” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The coulometric titration provided highly accurate results.
American English
- Coulometric analysis is a standard method for trace water determination.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in advanced chemistry/electrochemistry research papers and laboratory manuals.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Core term in specific electrochemical analysis for charge measurement.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “coulometer”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “coulometer”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “coulometer”
- Misspelling as 'colometer', 'coulometre' (British spelling remains '-er').
- Confusing it with a device that measures current (ammeter) rather than integrated charge.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. An ammeter measures the instantaneous electric current (flow rate of charge). A coulometer measures the total quantity of electric charge that has passed over time (the integral of current).
Primarily in analytical chemistry and electrochemistry for precise quantitative analysis, such as in coulometric titrations, determining fundamental constants, or monitoring electroplating processes.
A classic example is the silver coulometer, where the mass of silver deposited on an electrode is measured to calculate the charge passed, based on Faraday's laws of electrolysis.
It is a standard international scientific term with no regional variation in meaning. Spelling and pronunciation follow general UK/US patterns (e.g., /ˈlɒm/ vs /ˈlɑːm/), but the word itself is identical.
A scientific instrument for measuring electric charge or the quantity of electricity by the chemical action produced.
Coulometer is usually highly technical / scientific in register.
Coulometer: in British English it is pronounced /kuːˈlɒmɪtə/, and in American English it is pronounced /kuːˈlɑːmɪtər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'COUL-omb meter' – it meters (measures) coulombs (units of electric charge).
Conceptual Metaphor
An 'electricity accountant' that precisely tallies the flow of charge.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a coulometer?