dosimeter: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical / Scientific / Medical / Health & Safety
Quick answer
What does “dosimeter” mean?
A device that measures an individual's exposure to radiation or other hazardous substances over time, recording the cumulative dose.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A device that measures an individual's exposure to radiation or other hazardous substances over time, recording the cumulative dose.
In a broader sense, any instrument or method used to quantify exposure to a physical, chemical, or biological agent. Can be used metaphorically to describe something that tracks cumulative exposure to an abstract phenomenon (e.g., stress, information).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or usage. Spelling is consistent.
Connotations
Strongly associated with nuclear industries, radiology, military contexts, and occupational health in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in general language but standard within relevant professional fields in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “dosimeter” in a Sentence
The {technician/worker} wore a dosimeter.The {dosimeter} registered {a dose/10 mSv}.{Authorities/The company} issued dosimeters to {the staff}.The {reading/data} from the dosimeter was {analysed/concerning}.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “dosimeter” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- dosimetric data
- dosimetric analysis
- dosimetric properties
American English
- dosimetric data
- dosimetric analysis
- dosimetric properties
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in corporate risk management for industries dealing with radiation (e.g., 'All site personnel must have their dosimeter logs reviewed monthly').
Academic
Common in physics, chemistry, environmental science, and medical research papers discussing radiation exposure studies.
Everyday
Very rare. Might be encountered in news reports about nuclear incidents or workplace safety.
Technical
The primary register. Precise term in health physics, radiology, nuclear engineering, and hazardous material handling.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “dosimeter”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “dosimeter”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dosimeter”
- Using 'dosimeter' to refer to a Geiger counter. (A Geiger counter measures rate; a dosimeter measures total dose.)
- Pronouncing it as /dɒsɪ'mi:tə/ (doss-ee-MEET-er).
- Misspelling as 'doesimeter'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A Geiger counter (or survey meter) measures the intensity (rate) of radiation at a specific moment and location. A dosimeter is typically a personal device that measures the total cumulative dose of radiation absorbed by an individual over a period of time.
People who work with or around radiation sources, including nuclear power plant workers, radiologists, radiographers, nuclear medicine technicians, research scientists in certain fields, and some military personnel.
It depends on the type. A classic film badge or TLD badge must be sent to a lab for processing. Modern electronic personal dosimeters (EPDs) have a digital display showing the cumulative dose and sometimes the current dose rate.
No. A dosimeter is solely a measuring and monitoring device. It does not provide any protection. Protection comes from shielding (lead, concrete), maintaining distance, and limiting exposure time.
A device that measures an individual's exposure to radiation or other hazardous substances over time, recording the cumulative dose.
Dosimeter is usually technical / scientific / medical / health & safety in register.
Dosimeter: in British English it is pronounced /dəʊˈsɪm.ɪ.tər/, and in American English it is pronounced /doʊˈsɪm.ə.t̬ɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'DOSE-meter' – it measures a dose (of radiation).
Conceptual Metaphor
A SILENT WITNESS or a CUMULATIVE RECORDER of invisible danger.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a dosimeter?