| hygrometer | <physics> An instrument for measuring the degree of moisture of the atmosphere. Daniell's hygrometer, a form of hygrometer consisting of a bent glass tube terminating in two bulbs, the one covered with muslin, the other of black glass, and containing ether and a thermometer. Ether being poured on the muslin, the black ball, cooled by the evaporation of the ether within, is soon covered with dew; at this moment, the inclosed thermometer gives the dew-point, and this, compared with the reading of one in the air, determines the humidity. Origin: Gr. Wet, moist: cf. F. Hygrometre. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
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