gravimeter: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very lowTechnical/scientific
Quick answer
What does “gravimeter” mean?
An instrument for measuring the acceleration due to gravity or for detecting variations in gravitational fields.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An instrument for measuring the acceleration due to gravity or for detecting variations in gravitational fields.
A device used in geophysics, prospecting, and metrology to measure gravitational force, often to infer subsurface density variations or to define the geoid.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or spelling differences. The term is identical in both varieties.
Connotations
Purely technical with no regional connotative differences.
Frequency
Equally rare in both varieties, confined to specialist literature and fields.
Grammar
How to Use “gravimeter” in a Sentence
The gravimeter detected [NOUN PHRASE: a/an anomaly].Researchers used a gravimeter to [VERB PHRASE: map the subsurface].Readings from the gravimeter indicated [CLAUSE: that the density varied].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gravimeter” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- gravimetric analysis
- gravimetric survey
American English
- gravimetric data
- gravimetric method
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in geophysics, geology, physics, and engineering papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Core term in geophysical prospecting, geodesy, metrology, and planetary science.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “gravimeter”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gravimeter”
- Misspelling as 'gravimetre' (though this is an accepted, rare variant).
- Confusing it with a 'gravitometer' (not a standard term).
- Using it to refer to a simple scale or balance.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A scale measures mass (via weight force) for objects placed on it. A gravimeter measures the acceleration due to gravity (g) itself at a location, often with extreme precision.
In oil and mineral exploration, volcanology, groundwater studies, geodesy (to define the geoid), and fundamental physics experiments.
Yes, specialized gravimeters are used on satellites (like GRACE and GOCE) to map Earth's gravity field from orbit.
An absolute gravimeter measures the absolute value of g (in m/s²) at a point. A relative gravimeter measures differences in g between locations.
An instrument for measuring the acceleration due to gravity or for detecting variations in gravitational fields.
Gravimeter is usually technical/scientific in register.
Gravimeter: in British English it is pronounced /ɡrəˈvɪm.ɪ.tər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɡræˈvɪm.ə.t̬ɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of GRAVity METER -> GRAVIMETER. It's a meter for gravity.
Conceptual Metaphor
MEASUREMENT IS QUANTIFICATION (of an invisible force).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a gravimeter?