anemometer

Meanings

1. 1nouncountabletechnical

   A device that measures how fast the wind is blowing.

   Grammar: Countable: you can say 'an anemometer' or 'three anemometers'.

   Patterns

   • read an anemometer
   • an anemometer measures something
   • install an anemometer

   The anemometer showed gusts of up to sixty miles per hour.

   Engineers placed an anemometer on the bridge to monitor wind speed.

   Before flying the drone, check the anemometer to make sure it is safe.

2. 2nouncountabletechnical

   A handheld or fixed instrument used in sports and industry to check air speed.

   Grammar: Countable and often used with a purpose phrase: 'an anemometer for measuring...'.

   Patterns

   • an anemometer for measuring something
   • use an anemometer to do something

   Sailors use a handheld anemometer to judge conditions before a race.

   The technician used an anemometer to check the airflow in the ventilation system.

   A small anemometer can be clipped to a phone for quick wind readings.

Word forms

Common combinations

handheld anemometer

He carried a handheld anemometer in his backpack.

wind speed

The anemometer recorded a wind speed of 40 knots.

install an anemometer

They installed an anemometer on the mast.

read an anemometer

The pilot read the anemometer before takeoff.

anemometer reading

The anemometer reading was too high for a safe landing.

Synonyms and how they differ

wind gauge

Wind gauge is a less technical everyday term for the same instrument; anemometer is the standard word in science and engineering.

Word family

anemometry noun

The practice or science of measuring wind speed.

anemometric adjective

Relating to the measurement of wind speed.

Commonly confused: anemometer or wind vane?

Practice

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Write a sentence using “anemometer”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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