gaussmeter: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2technical/scientific
Quick answer
What does “gaussmeter” mean?
A scientific instrument used to measure the strength and, sometimes, direction of a magnetic field.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A scientific instrument used to measure the strength and, sometimes, direction of a magnetic field.
Any device calibrated to measure magnetic flux density, often used in physics, engineering, and geology. In common usage, it is synonymous with 'magnetometer', though technically a gaussmeter specifically measures in units of gauss or tesla.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Spelling of 'meter' vs 'metre' is consistent with regional conventions for measuring instruments (e.g., 'thermometer', 'speedometer'), where both regions typically use '-meter'. British English may occasionally use the spelling 'gaussmetre', but 'gaussmeter' is dominant in technical literature.
Connotations
Identical technical connotations in both regions.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency and highly specialized in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “gaussmeter” in a Sentence
VERB + gaussmeter (use/calibrate/read/employ a gaussmeter)ADJ + gaussmeter (digital/handheld/sensitive gaussmeter)gaussmeter + VERB (measures/indicates/displays/records)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gaussmeter” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We need to gaussmeter the field strength across this sample. (rare, non-standard verbal use)
American English
- They will gaussmeter the magnet's flux. (rare, non-standard verbal use)
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 the context of manufacturing or selling scientific instruments.
Academic
Common in physics, electrical engineering, materials science, and geophysics research papers and lab work.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Standard term in manuals, technical specifications, and instrumentation guides related to magnetism.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “gaussmeter”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “gaussmeter”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gaussmeter”
- Misspelling as 'gausemeter' or 'gausmeter'.
- Using 'gaussmeter' generically for any measuring device.
- Confusing it with a 'galvanometer' (which measures electric current).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In common technical usage, yes, they are often used interchangeably. However, strictly speaking, a magnetometer is a broader category of instruments for measuring magnetic fields, while a gaussmeter is specifically calibrated in units of gauss (or tesla).
Physics laboratories, electrical engineering (e.g., motor and speaker design), geology/geophysics (for prospecting), material science (testing magnetic properties), and quality control in magnetic component manufacturing.
Modern instruments usually display in tesla (T) or millitesla (mT), the SI unit. Older or specific models may show readings in gauss (G), where 1 T = 10,000 G.
Many smartphones contain a magnetometer (used for the compass). With a dedicated app, it can function as a basic, low-accuracy gaussmeter for simple demonstrations, but it lacks the precision, calibration, and range of a dedicated scientific instrument.
A scientific instrument used to measure the strength and, sometimes, direction of a magnetic field.
Gaussmeter is usually technical/scientific in register.
Gaussmeter: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡaʊsˌmiːtə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡaʊsˌmiːtər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “N/A”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: GAUSS (the scientist) METER (a measuring device). A 'Gauss-Meter' measures what Gauss studied: magnetism.
Conceptual Metaphor
A MAGNETIC FIELD IS A FORCE (to be measured). The gaussmeter is a FORCE GAUGE for magnetism.
Practice
Quiz
A gaussmeter is primarily used to measure what?