micrometer1

[mahy-krom-i-ter] /maɪˈkrɒm ɪ tər/
noun
1.
any of various devices for measuring minute distances, angles, etc., as in connection with a telescope or microscope.
2.
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
British Dictionary definitions for micrometre

micrometre

/ˈmaɪkrəʊˌmiːtə/
noun
1.
a unit of length equal to 10–6 metre μm Former name micron

micrometer

/maɪˈkrɒmɪtə/
noun
1.
any of various instruments or devices for the accurate measurement of distances or angles
2.
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 micrometre

micrometer

n.

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

micrometre 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.

micrometre in Science
micrometer 1
  (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.
micrometer 2
  (mī'krō-mē'tər)   
A unit of length in the metric system equal to one millionth (10-6) of a meter. Also called micron.
micrometre in Technology

unit
(Or "micron") One millionth of a metre. The symbol is a Greek letter mu followed by "m".
Features on modern integrated circuits are typically measured in microns. The smallest features in 1999 are around 0.1 microns across.
(1999-09-28)

Encyclopedia Article for micrometre

micron

metric unit of measure for length equal to 0.00l mm, or about 0.000039 inch. Its symbol is mum. The micrometre is commonly employed to measure the thickness or diameter of microscopic objects, such as microorganisms and colloidal particles. Minute distances, as, for example, the wavelengths of infrared radiation, are also given in micrometres.

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