photometer: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “photometer” mean?
An instrument for measuring the intensity of light or its photographic properties.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An instrument for measuring the intensity of light or its photographic properties.
In broader scientific contexts, any device that quantifies light characteristics such as luminance, illuminance, or spectral composition; also used metaphorically for systems that 'measure' visual or perceptual brightness.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences; spelling and pronunciation follow regional norms.
Connotations
Identical technical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in specialised fields like physics, astronomy, photography, and environmental science.
Grammar
How to Use “photometer” in a Sentence
The photometer measured [light intensity]Researchers used a photometer to [quantify illumination]Readings from the photometer indicated [value]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “photometer” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We need to photometer the light levels across the studio.
American English
- They will photometer the streetlights for the municipal audit.
adjective
British English
- The photometer readings were recorded meticulously.
American English
- She reviewed the photometer data from the experiment.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; possibly in technical sales or manufacturing of optical instruments.
Academic
Common in physics, engineering, astronomy, and photography research papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation.
Technical
Standard term in optics, photometry, environmental monitoring, and laboratory instrumentation.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “photometer”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “photometer”
- Misspelling as 'fotometer', 'photometre' (UK spelling retains '-er'), or 'photo meter' (should be one word). Using it as a verb (e.g., 'I photometered the room' is non-standard).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Rarely and only in highly technical contexts; it's primarily a noun. Standard usage prefers phrases like 'measure with a photometer'.
A photometer measures light intensity, while a spectrometer analyses the wavelength composition (spectrum) of light.
Yes, with appropriate apps and calibration, smartphone light sensors can function as basic photometers for non-critical measurements.
No, it is a specialised technical term mostly confined to scientific, engineering, and photographic professional discourse.
An instrument for measuring the intensity of light or its photographic properties.
Photometer is usually technical/scientific in register.
Photometer: in British English it is pronounced /fəʊˈtɒmɪtə/, and in American English it is pronounced /foʊˈtɑːmɪtər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'photo' (light) + 'meter' (measure) = a device that measures light.
Conceptual Metaphor
MEASUREMENT IS QUANTIFICATION; LIGHT IS A MEASURABLE FLUID.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a photometer?