micrometer¹

[mahy-krom-i-ter] /maɪˈkrɒm ɪ tər/

noun

any of various devices for measuring minute distances, angles, etc., as in connection with a telescope or microscope.

Also called mike, micrometer caliper. a precision instrument with a spindle moved by a finely threaded screw, for the measurement of thicknesses and short lengths, commonly used by machinists for turning shafts or boring holes.

Also, especially British, micrometre.

Origin

1660-70; micro- + -meter

micrometer²

[mahy-kroh-mee-ter] /ˈmaɪ kroʊˌmi tər/

noun

micron (def 1).

Origin

micro- + meter¹

Examples from the web for micrometer

The second is the measurement of the weathering of marble and other gravestones, which requires a micrometer.
In principle, such tests could effectively rule out theories of micrometer-size extra dimensions, he says.
The one on the left is one-tenth of a micrometer thick and is made of a porous support with a thin coating of the membrane.
Existing methods to make gratings with lines that are less than a micrometer apart are complicated and expensive.
They start by etching grooves into the substrate, leaving a series of thin sapphire ridges, each about one micrometer wide.
Etched optical bar codes into micrometer-size pieces of silicon.
They take a photograph of the scene, then move certain figures a micrometer, then take another picture.

British Dictionary definitions for micrometer

micrometer

/maɪˈkrɒmɪtə/

noun

any of various instruments or devices for the accurate measurement of distances or angles

Also called micrometer gauge, micrometer calliper. a type of gauge for the accurate measurement of small distances, thicknesses, diameters, etc. The gap between its measuring faces is adjusted by a fine screw, the rotation of the screw giving a sensitive measure of the distance moved by the face

Derived Forms

micrometry, noun
micrometric (ˌmaɪkrəʊˈmɛtrɪk), micrometrical, adjective

Word Origin and History for micrometer

1660s, from micro- + -meter. Originally a telescope attachment; from 1884 as a craftsman's fine measuring tool. Related: Micrometry; micrometric.

micrometer in Medicine

micrometer mi·crom·e·ter¹ (mī-krŏm'ĭ-tər)
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.

micrometer mi·cro·me·ter² (mī'krō-mē'tər)
n.

Abbr. μm A unit of length equal to one thousandth (10-³) of a millimeter or one millionth (10-⁶) of a meter. Also called micron.

micrometer in Science

micrometer¹

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

micrometer²

(mī'krō-mē'tər)
A unit of length in the metric system equal to one millionth (10^-6) of a meter. Also called micron.