water meter
B1Neutral to Technical
Definition
Meaning
A device that measures and records the volume of water passing through a pipe, typically for billing purposes.
Any device used to measure water flow, including those for industrial, agricultural, or scientific monitoring.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
A compound noun where 'water' specifies the type of meter. It is a hyponym of 'meter'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Spelling of related terms may differ (e.g., 'metre' vs. 'meter' for the unit of length, but 'meter' for the device is standard in both).
Connotations
Neutral and functional in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties due to universal utility infrastructure.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The [landlord/company] [installed/read] the water meter.The [reading/display] on the water meter [shows/is].Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Utility companies use water meters to calculate customer bills.
Academic
Used in engineering and environmental science papers discussing resource management.
Everyday
Homeowners discuss their water meter readings to track usage and costs.
Technical
Specifications for industrial flow measurement and calibration.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- We need a water-meter reading.
- It's a water-meter installation job.
American English
- We need a water meter reading.
- It's a water meter installation job.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The water meter is outside the house.
- My dad reads the water meter.
- The plumber checked the water meter for leaks.
- Our bill is high because the water meter is faulty.
- Installing a water meter can incentivise households to reduce consumption.
- The technician took a manual reading from the analogue water meter.
- Smart water meters transmit usage data wirelessly, enabling real-time monitoring.
- Disputes over the accuracy of the water meter reading required an independent audit.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a METER that measures WATER, just like a taxi meter measures distance for a fare.
Conceptual Metaphor
MEASUREMENT IS ACCOUNTING (it 'accounts for' or 'keeps a tally of' water use).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque 'водяной метр'. The standard term is 'счётчик воды'.
- Do not confuse with 'water metre', which is not a standard phrase.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'watermetre' (incorrect spelling/formation). Correct: 'water meter'.
- Incorrect: 'meter of water'. Correct: 'water meter'.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of a domestic water meter?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a two-word compound noun, written as separate words: 'water meter'.
This depends on your local utility company's policies and whether you pay a fixed rate or a rate based on usage.
Typically in a small box or pit near the property boundary (external) or inside the home, often under the kitchen sink or in a basement (internal).
A water meter measures the volume of liquid (water) flow, while an electricity meter measures electrical energy consumption in kilowatt-hours.