Search the Dictionary

tical flat spring which supports a rod having a bob at the top; -- used for detecting and measuring slight horizontal vibrations of a body to which it is attached.

Specifically, the act of measuring, with suitable instruments, some magnitude, as the time of an occultation, with a clock; the right ascension of a star, with a transit instrument and clock; the sun's altitude, or the distance of the moon from a star, with a sextant; the temperature, with a thermometer, etc.…

An instrument for measuring angles (generally called a quadrant), having an arc which measures up to 9Oº, but being itself the eighth part of a circle. Cf. Sextant.

k is dry or when it is poor. Offset staff (Surv.), a rod, usually ten links long, used in measuring offsets.

An instrument for measuring the rain that falls; a rain gauge.

An instrument for measuring the variations in size of the internal organs of the body, as the kidney, spleen, etc.

An instrument or machine for measuring work done, especially for ascertaining the number of rotations made by a machine or wheel in manufacturing cloth; a counter. Ure.

An instrument devised by Helmholtz for measuring the size of a reflected image on the convex surface of the cornea and lens of the eye, by which their curvature can be ascertained.

An instrument with a revolving wheel for measuring a curved line, as on a map.

An instrument for measuring the limits of distincts vision in different individuals, and thus determiming the proper focal length of a lens for correcting imperfect sight. Brande & C.

An instrument for measuring the distance of distinct vision, mainly for the selection of eveglasses.

An instrument for measuring the angle through which a ship rolls or pitches at sea.

An instrument for measuring the amount of osmotic action in different liquids.

An instrument for measuring thickness, as of the glass of a mirror, or of paper; a pachymeter.

f the hand or to its length from the wrist to the ends of the fingers; a hand; -- used in measuring a horse's height.

An instrument for measuring angles for determining elevations, distances, etc.

The act of measuring by paces. [R.] Ash.

A dynamometer for measuring the force required to draw wheel carriages on roads of different constructions. G. Francis.

An instrument for measuring the dimensions of the pelvis. Coxe.

A surveyor's instrument for measuring distances. It consists of a wheel arranged to roll along over the ground, with an apparatus of clockwork, and a dial plate upon which the distance traveled is shown by an index. See Odometer.