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micrometer

 
American Heritage Dictionary:

mi·crom·e·ter1

(mī-krŏm'ĭ-tər) pronunciation
n.
A device for measuring very small distances, objects, or angles, especially one based on the rotation of a finely threaded screw, as in relation to a microscope.


mi·cro·me·ter2 ('krō-mē'tər) pronunciation
n.
A unit of length equal to one thousandth (10 -3) of a millimeter or one millionth (10 -6)of a meter.


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Britannica Concise Encyclopedia:

micrometer (caliper)

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Instrument for making precise linear measurements of dimensions such as diameters, thicknesses, and lengths of solid bodies. It consists of a C-shaped frame with a movable jaw operated by a screw. The accuracy of the measurements depends on the accuracy of the screw-nut combination.

For more information on micrometer (caliper), visit Britannica.com.

A precision instrument used to measure small distances and angles. A common use is on a machinist's caliper, as in the illustration. See also Caliper.

Machinist's outside caliper with micrometer reading 0.250 in. (<i>L. S. Sfarrett Co.</i>)
Machinist's outside caliper with micrometer reading 0.250 in. (L. S. Sfarrett Co.)

The spindle of the caliper is an accurately machined screw, which is rotated by the thimble or the ratchet knob until the object to be measured is in contact with both spindle and anvil. The ratchet slips after correct pressure is applied, ensuring consistent, accurate gaging. The number 1 on the sleeve represents 0.1 in.; the smallest divisions are 0.025 in. A vernier scale allows accurate reading to 0.0001 in. See also Vernier.


TechEncyclopedia:

micrometer

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(1) One millionth of a meter. Also known as a "micron." See metric system and micron.

(2) A mechanical instrument that is used to measure diameters and small distances.

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Columbia Encyclopedia:

micrometer

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micrometer (mīkrŏm'ətər, mī'krōmē'tər).

1 Instrument used for measuring extremely small distances. Typical examples are devices used in astronomical telescopes to measure the apparent diameter of celestial objects and similar devices used in microscopes. In both of these devices a fine hair or filament is moved from one extremity to the other of the image of an object and the distance read on a calibrated scale. Another typical micrometer is the micrometer caliper, a device in which an object to be measured is enclosed between two jaws, one fixed and the other movable by means of a fine screw. When the jaws are just touching the object, the distance between the jaws can be read on an associated scale, often to an accuracy of 10−4 (one ten-thousandth) in., or 10−6 (one millionth) m.

2 Unit of linear distance equal to 10−6 (one millionth) m. It was formerly known as a micron.


  1. any instrument or device for measuring very small distances or angles.
  2. or micrometer gauge a device for measuring small distances, thicknesses, diameters, etc. with great accuracy.
  3. the US spelling of micrometre.

Previous:micromanipulator, micromanipulation, microlitre
Next:micrometer burette, micrometer pipette, micrometer screw

1. instrument for making minute measurements.
2. micron; one thousandth (10−3) of a millimeter or one millionth (10−6) of a meter. Abbreviated μm.
3. see micron.

(mī'krōmēter)
n

A millionth of a meter (10-6 meter).

Random House Word Menu:

categories related to 'micrometer'

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Random House Word Menu by Stephen Glazier
For a list of words related to micrometer, see:
  • Measuring Devices - micrometer: device for measuring minute distances and angles, esp. in connection with a telescope or microscope
  • Metric System - micrometer: micron
  • Measuring and Marking Tools - micrometer: precision instrument with spindle moved by finely threaded screw, used for measuring thicknesses and, by machinists, for turning shafts and boring holes


Translations:

Micrometer

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Dansk (Danish)
1.
n. - mikrometer (måleinstrument)

2.
n. - mikrometer (måleenhed)

Nederlands (Dutch)
zeer nauwkeurig meetapparaat, micron (een miljoenste meter), micrometer

Français (French)
1.
n. - micromètre

2.
n. - (Mes) micron

Deutsch (German)
1.
n. - Feinmeßschraube

2.
n. - Mikrometer

Ελληνική (Greek)
n. - (μηχαν.) μικρόμετρο

Italiano (Italian)
micrometro

Português (Portuguese)
n. - micrômetro (m)

Русский (Russian)
микрометр

Español (Spanish)
1.
n. - micrómetro

2.
n. - tornillo micrométrico

Svenska (Swedish)
n. - mikrometer

中文(简体)(Chinese (Simplified))
1. 千分尺, 微米

2. 测微计

中文(繁體)(Chinese (Traditional))
1.
n. - 測微計

2.
n. - 千分尺, 微米

한국어 (Korean)
1.
n. - 마이크로미터(100만분의 1미터)

2.
n. - 정밀 측정기

日本語 (Japanese)
n. - マイクロメーター, マイクロメートル, ミクロメーター

العربيه (Arabic)
‏(الاسم) جهاز دقيق لقياس, الأبعاد‏

עברית (Hebrew)
n. - ‮מד מרחקים זעירים, מיקרומטר‬
n. - ‮מיליונית המטר‬


 
 
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micrometry
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