thermogram: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “thermogram” mean?
A visual record or image produced by thermography, showing the distribution of temperature across a surface.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A visual record or image produced by thermography, showing the distribution of temperature across a surface.
Any graphical representation of temperature variations over time or space, often used in medical diagnostics, building inspections, or scientific research.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling is consistent.
Connotations
Neutral technical term in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in technical contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “thermogram” in a Sentence
The thermogram showed [noun phrase]A thermogram of [noun phrase] revealed [clause]Based on the thermogram, [conclusion]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “thermogram” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- thermogram analysis
- thermogram data
American English
- thermogram analysis
- thermogram data
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in specific industries like building energy auditing or predictive maintenance.
Academic
Common in engineering, physics, medical, and materials science papers discussing thermal analysis.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
The primary register. Used precisely to describe the output data from thermographic equipment.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “thermogram”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “thermogram”
- Using 'thermogram' to refer to the device (correct: thermograph or thermal camera).
- Pronouncing it as /θərˈmɒɡ.rəm/ (incorrect stress).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A photograph records visible light, while a thermogram records infrared radiation (heat) and represents it as a visible image, often with a colour scale.
Yes. Medical thermography produces thermograms of the human body to detect inflammation, circulatory issues, or certain cancers based on abnormal heat patterns.
A 'thermogram' is the image or record. A 'thermograph' is the instrument (the camera or sensor) that produces the thermogram.
They use false-colour palettes (e.g., blue for cool, red/white for hot) to make temperature differences easily interpretable. The specific palette is chosen by the user.
A visual record or image produced by thermography, showing the distribution of temperature across a surface.
Thermogram is usually technical/scientific in register.
Thermogram: in British English it is pronounced /ˈθɜː.mə.ɡræm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈθɝː.moʊ.ɡræm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: THERMO (heat) + GRAM (as in telegram or diagram) = a 'message' or picture about heat.
Conceptual Metaphor
HEAT IS A VISIBLE LANDSCAPE (the thermogram 'maps' temperature as if it were terrain).
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'thermogram' primarily?