magnetometer

[ mag-ni-tom-i-ter ]
/ ˌmæg nɪˈtɒm ɪ tər /

noun

an instrument for measuring the intensity of a magnetic field, especially the earth's magnetic field.
an instrument for detecting the presence of ferrous or magnetic materials, especially one used to detect concealed weapons at airports.

Origin of magnetometer

First recorded in 1820–30; magneto- + -meter

OTHER WORDS FROM magnetometer

mag·ne·to·met·ric [mag-nee-tuh-me-trik] /mægˌni təˈmɛ trɪk/, adjective mag·ne·tom·e·try, noun

Words nearby magnetometer

magnetograph, magnetohydrodynamic generation, magnetohydrodynamics, magnetohydromagnetic wave, magnetomechanical ratio, magnetometer, magnetomotive, magnetomotive force, magneton, magnetooptic, magnetooptics

Example sentences from the Web for magnetometer

British Dictionary definitions for magnetometer

magnetometer
/ (ˌmæɡnɪˈtɒmɪtə) /

noun

any instrument for measuring the intensity or direction of a magnetic field, esp the earth's field

Derived forms of magnetometer

magnetometric (ˌmæɡnɪtəʊˈmɛtrɪk), adjective magnetometry, noun

Scientific definitions for magnetometer

magnetometer
[ măg′nĭ-tŏm′ĭ-tər ]

An instrument for measuring the magnitude and direction of a magnetic field. Magnetometers are often used in archaeological and geological investigations to determine the intensity and direction of the Earth's magnetic field at various times in the past by examining the strength and direction of magnetization of ferromagnetic materials in different geological strata. See also magnetic reversal.