thermocouple
[ thur-muh-kuhp-uh l ]
/ ˈθɜr məˌkʌp əl /
noun Physics.
a device that consists of the junction of two dissimilar metallic conductors, as copper and iron, in which an electromotive force is induced when the conductors are maintained at different temperatures, the force being related to the temperature difference: used to determine the temperature of a third substance by connecting it to the junction of the metals and measuring the electromotive force produced.
Also called
thermoelectric couple,
thermoelectric thermometer.
Words nearby thermocouple
Definition for thermoelectric thermometer (2 of 2)
British Dictionary definitions for thermoelectric thermometer
thermocouple
/ (ˈθɜːməʊˌkʌpəl) /
noun
a device for measuring temperature consisting of a pair of wires of different metals or semiconductors joined at both ends. One junction is at the temperature to be measured, the second at a fixed temperature. The electromotive force generated depends upon the temperature difference
a similar device with only one junction between two dissimilar metals or semiconductors
Word Origin for thermocouple
C19: from
thermo- +
couple
Medical definitions for thermoelectric thermometer
thermocouple
[ thûr′mə-kŭp′əl ]
n.
A thermoelectric device used to measure temperatures accurately, especially one consisting of two dissimilar metals joined so that a potential difference generated between the points of contact is a measure of the temperature difference between the points.
Scientific definitions for thermoelectric thermometer
thermocouple
[ thûr′mə-kŭp′əl ]
A thermoelectric device used to make accurate measurements of temperatures, especially high temperatures. It consists of a circuit having two wires of different metals or metal alloys welded together. A temperature gradient across the junction of the wires gives rise to an electric potential by the Seebeck effect. This potential varies with the strength of the temperature gradient and can be measured by a voltmeter. Thermocouples can also be used to generate small amounts of electricity for powering other devices.
Cultural definitions for thermoelectric thermometer
thermocouple
A device for accurate measurement of temperature. A thermocouple consists of two dissimilar metals joined at two joints in a loop so that the difference in voltage can be measured. Because voltage changes in proportion to temperature, the voltage difference indicates temperature differences.