Agency Dictionary

Thermometer

nounPronunciation: /θɚˈmɑː.mə.t̬ɚ/

Science & Health

What does “Thermometer” mean?

An instrument designed to measure temperature or thermal gradients across systems. Figuratively, it denotes any sensitive indicator or gauge used to measure changing economic, environmental, or social conditions.

Etymology

Borrowed into English from French thermomètre in the seventeenth century. The French word joins two ancient Greek elements: thermo- (from thermós, 'warm, hot') and -meter (from métron, 'a measure'). The figurative sense, in which any sensitive indicator is called the thermometer of a situation, is an extension of the instrument's function.

Usage note

In figurative use, thermometer describes any measure of intensity on a scale; barometer is a close synonym but carries the sense of sensitivity to surrounding pressure rather than to heat.

Synonyms

gauge
indicator

Often confused with

thermostat: A thermostat controls temperature by activating or deactivating a heating or cooling system; a thermometer only measures temperature without acting on it.

Word family

thermometric
thermometry

Usage examples

At the end of the day, the environment is the true thermometer behind all and every symptom we are currently facing.

Concept

Carbon PricingCarbon pricing is an economic instrument that captures the external costs of greenhouse gas emissions by tying them directly to their sources through a monetary fee. By…

Source editions

Where this entry comes from in the Agency editorial.

Issue.24 - Boiling Red CobaltMay 17, 2024Read the edition

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