milliammeter: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowTechnical
Quick answer
What does “milliammeter” mean?
An instrument for measuring electric current in milliamperes.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An instrument for measuring electric current in milliamperes.
A portable or panel-mounted device used in electrical and electronic engineering to measure small currents.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences; both use the same term.
Connotations
Identical technical connotation.
Frequency
Equally rare outside technical contexts in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “milliammeter” in a Sentence
Use [a milliammeter] to measure [the current].The [milliammeter] is connected in [series].[The circuit's] current is read on [the milliammeter].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “milliammeter” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The technician will milliammeter the circuit.
- He milliammetered the leakage current.
American English
- We need to milliammeter the output.
- She milliammetered the signal path.
adverb
British English
- He measured the current milliammeter-accurate.
- The device performed milliammeter-perfect.
American English
- It was calibrated milliammeter-precise.
- She set it up milliammeter-carefully.
adjective
British English
- The milliammeter display was flickering.
- A milliammeter function is built-in.
American English
- The milliammeter reading was stable.
- Check the milliammeter scale.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, only in technical procurement specifications.
Academic
Used in physics and electrical engineering lab reports and textbooks.
Everyday
Extremely rare; unknown to general public.
Technical
Primary context: precise measurement of small currents in circuit design, testing, and repair.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “milliammeter”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “milliammeter”
- Spelling: 'milliameter' (missing one 'm'), 'milli-ammeter' (incorrect hyphenation).
- Confusing with 'millimeter'.
- Using 'milliampere' (the unit) instead of 'milliammeter' (the device).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
An ammeter measures electric current in amperes. A milliammeter is a type of ammeter designed specifically to measure smaller currents, in milliamperes (thousandths of an ampere).
Like all ammeters, a milliammeter must be connected in series with the component whose current you wish to measure, so the current flows through the instrument.
No, attempting to measure a current beyond its maximum scale will likely damage the instrument. You would need a higher-range ammeter.
No, it is a highly technical term known primarily to electricians, electronics engineers, technicians, and physics students.
An instrument for measuring electric current in milliamperes.
Milliammeter is usually technical in register.
Milliammeter: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmɪl.iˈæ.miː.tə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmɪl.iˈæ.miː.t̬ɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Not applicable.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: MILLI-AMMETER. A MILLI-amp (tiny current) METER.
Conceptual Metaphor
A GAUGE for electrical FLOW.
Practice
Quiz
A milliammeter is primarily used to measure: