tonometer: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very low frequency (C2 level vocabulary).Technical/Medical
Quick answer
What does “tonometer” mean?
A medical instrument for measuring pressure or tension, most commonly used to determine intraocular pressure (pressure inside the eye).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A medical instrument for measuring pressure or tension, most commonly used to determine intraocular pressure (pressure inside the eye).
Any scientific instrument designed to measure tension or pressure. In medicine, this primarily refers to ophthalmological devices, but the term can also apply to instruments measuring arterial blood pressure or the elastic tension of surfaces in other fields.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage between British and American English.
Connotations
Neutral technical term in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally rare in both dialects, used only by eye care professionals, optometrists, and ophthalmologists.
Grammar
How to Use “tonometer” in a Sentence
The [type of] tonometer measured [pressure].The optometrist used a tonometer to check for [condition].[Subject] was assessed with a tonometer.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “tonometer” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- The tonometric readings were within normal limits.
- He underwent tonometric assessment.
American English
- The tonometric readings were within normal limits.
- She performed a tonometric examination.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used only in the context of medical device manufacturing or sales.
Academic
Used in medical textbooks, ophthalmology research papers, and clinical studies.
Everyday
Almost never used. A patient would say 'eye pressure test'.
Technical
Standard term in ophthalmology, optometry, and related medical fields.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “tonometer”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “tonometer”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “tonometer”
- Mispronouncing it as 'tono-meter' with equal stress on each syllable. The stress is always on the second syllable: to-NOM-e-ter.
- Using it to refer to blood pressure monitors (sphygmomanometers).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While both measure pressure, a tonometer specifically measures intraocular (eye) pressure. A blood pressure monitor is called a sphygmomanometer.
It measures eye pressure without physically touching the cornea, typically using a quick puff of air. It is often used for screening purposes.
Optometrists and ophthalmologists are the primary healthcare professionals who use tonometers as part of a routine eye examination.
No. It is a very low-frequency, specialized medical term. Learners only need to know it if they are studying medicine or ophthalmology specifically.
A medical instrument for measuring pressure or tension, most commonly used to determine intraocular pressure (pressure inside the eye).
Tonometer is usually technical/medical in register.
Tonometer: in British English it is pronounced /təʊˈnɒm.ɪ.tər/, and in American English it is pronounced /toʊˈnɑː.mə.t̬ɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “N/A”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'TONE the muscle, METER to measure' -> A tonometer measures tension (tone) in the eye.
Conceptual Metaphor
N/A (Literal technical object).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a tonometer?