thermopile: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “thermopile” mean?
A device consisting of a series of thermocouples connected in series, used to generate an electrical voltage from a temperature difference.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A device consisting of a series of thermocouples connected in series, used to generate an electrical voltage from a temperature difference.
A sensor used to measure radiant heat or to generate electrical power from heat sources, often employed in scientific instruments, infrared detectors, and energy-harvesting applications.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are identical.
Connotations
Identical technical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency and specialized in both BrE and AmE.
Grammar
How to Use “thermopile” in a Sentence
The thermopile [verb: generates/measures/detects] [noun: heat/voltage/radiation].A thermopile [verb: is connected/consists of/responds to] [noun: thermocouples/a source/a difference].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “thermopile” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The thermopile reading was accurate.
- A thermopile-based detector was installed.
American English
- The thermopile output was recorded.
- A thermopile-driven circuit was designed.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in technical sales of scientific instrumentation or energy systems.
Academic
Common in physics, engineering, and materials science papers discussing heat measurement or energy conversion.
Everyday
Extremely rare; not part of general vocabulary.
Technical
Core term in fields like infrared pyrometry, calorimetry, and thermoelectric energy harvesting.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “thermopile”
- Using 'thermopile' to refer to a single thermocouple.
- Pronouncing it as 'thermo-pill'. It is 'thermo-pile' (like a pile of sand).
- Confusing it with a thermometer.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A thermocouple is a single pair of dissimilar metals generating a voltage from temperature difference. A thermopile is multiple thermocouples connected in series to produce a larger, more measurable voltage.
In non-contact infrared thermometers (like ear or forehead thermometers), some motion sensors, and certain types of gas heaters or boilers with safety sensors.
Typically, it generates very small voltages (millivolts), suitable for sensors, not for powering large devices. However, large-scale thermoelectric generators based on the same principle are used in niche applications like spacecraft or remote power generation.
To increase the output voltage. The voltage from a single thermocouple is very small. Connecting many in series (a pile) sums their individual voltages, making the signal stronger and easier to measure accurately.
A device consisting of a series of thermocouples connected in series, used to generate an electrical voltage from a temperature difference.
Thermopile is usually technical/scientific in register.
Thermopile: in British English it is pronounced /ˈθɜː.məʊ.paɪl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈθɝː.moʊ.paɪl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'THERMO' (heat) + 'PILE' (a stack). It's a pile of heat-sensitive elements stacked together to generate electricity.
Conceptual Metaphor
A heat battery (converts heat energy into electrical energy, like a battery converts chemical energy).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a thermopile?