pitot tube: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Fluid Dynamics
Quick answer
What does “pitot tube” mean?
A device used to measure fluid flow velocity, typically airspeed in aircraft or flow in pipes.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A device used to measure fluid flow velocity, typically airspeed in aircraft or flow in pipes.
A pressure-measuring instrument consisting of a tube with a small opening facing directly into a fluid flow (the pitot tube) and, often, one or more static pressure ports (the static port), combined to form a pitot-static system for determining dynamic pressure and speed.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Pronunciation and spelling of related technical terms (e.g., 'aerofoil' vs. 'airfoil', 'aeroplane' vs. 'airplane') may differ in the surrounding context.
Connotations
Identical technical meaning and high importance in both aviation and engineering contexts.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in general language but equally standard and high-frequency within the specific technical domains (aviation, engineering).
Grammar
How to Use “pitot tube” in a Sentence
The [Aircraft Model]'s pitot tube [verbed] [issue].A [blocked/faulty] pitot tube can lead to [consequence].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “pitot tube” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The engineers will pitot-test the new prototype.
- The system is designed to be pitot-heated.
American English
- The mechanics pitot-checked the aircraft.
- A pitot-heated system prevents ice blockage.
adjective
British English
- The pitot-head assembly was replaced.
- Check the pitot-system readings.
American English
- The pitot-tube cover was removed.
- There was a pitot-system failure.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in aerospace/defense procurement or aviation safety reports.
Academic
Standard term in engineering and physics papers on fluid mechanics and aerodynamics.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Only used by pilots, engineers, or aviation enthusiasts.
Technical
Core, essential vocabulary. Used in flight manuals, engineering diagrams, maintenance logs, and technical specifications.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “pitot tube”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “pitot tube”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “pitot tube”
- Misspelling as 'pilot tube'. Incorrect plural: 'pitots tubes' instead of 'pitot tubes'. Confusing it with the static port.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It was invented by the French engineer Henri Pitot in the early 18th century.
To prevent ice from forming and blocking the tube, which would cause inaccurate or lost airspeed data, a critical safety hazard.
Not exactly. A pitot tube measures total pressure. A pitot-static tube combines a pitot tube (for total pressure) and a static port (for static pressure) into one unit, used to calculate dynamic pressure and thus airspeed.
Yes, the principle is the same for any fluid. Pitot tubes are used in hydraulics and pipeline engineering to measure liquid flow velocity.
A device used to measure fluid flow velocity, typically airspeed in aircraft or flow in pipes.
Pitot tube is usually technical, aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, fluid dynamics in register.
Pitot tube: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpiː.təʊ ˌtjuːb/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpiː.toʊ ˌtuːb/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Pilot needs PITOT to know how fast he's going. Think: 'Pilot Tube' for speed.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SENSE ORGAN for the aircraft (feeling the pressure of the oncoming air).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a pitot tube on an aircraft?