Meaning & use
hydrometer
Last updated
Meaning
nouncountable
A device that measures how dense a liquid is, usually by floating in it.
Grammar: Countable; use 'a hydrometer' or 'hydrometers'.
Patterns
- use a hydrometer
- read a hydrometer
- a hydrometer measures something
The brewer checked the sugar level with a hydrometer.
A hydrometer floats higher in denser liquids.
Before adding yeast, take a reading with a hydrometer.
Word forms
| plural | hydrometers |
|---|
Common combinations
- use a hydrometer
- Winemakers use a hydrometer to track fermentation.
- hydrometer reading
- The hydrometer reading showed the liquid was very dense.
- float a hydrometer
- Float the hydrometer in the sample and note the level.
- calibrate a hydrometer
- You should calibrate the hydrometer before testing.
Synonyms and how they differ
- density meter
- A more general term for any instrument measuring density, not necessarily by floating.
Word family
- hydrometry noun
- The science or practice of measuring liquid density.
- hydrometric adjective
- Relating to hydrometry or measurements made with a hydrometer.
Commonly confused: hydrometer or hygrometer? hydrometer or manometer?
hydrometer vs hygrometer
A hygrometer measures humidity in the air, while a hydrometer measures liquid density.
hydrometer vs manometer
A manometer measures pressure, not density.
Practice
A winemaker wants to check how much sugar is left in the fermenting juice. What should she use?
Choose one answer.
A hydrometer measures liquid density, which reflects sugar content. A thermometer measures temperature, a barometer measures air pressure, and an anemometer measures wind speed.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “hydrometer”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.