dip needle


noun

an early form of magnetometer, consisting of a magnetic needle pivoted through its center of gravity and having its axis through the vertical plane of the earth's magnetic meridian so as to point in the direction of maximum magnetic intensity.
Also called inclinometer.

British Dictionary definitions for dip needle

dip needle

noun

a magnetized needle pivoted through its centre of gravity able to rotate freely in a vertical plane, used to determine the inclination of the earth's magnetic field See also dip circle