What does gravimeter mean?
A gravimeter is a scientific instrument designed to measure gravitational acceleration or small changes in the strength of Earth's gravitational field. Unlike an accelerometer, which records motion and vibration, a gravimeter is intended to characterize gravity itself, often with enough precision to detect geological structures beneath the ground. Absolute gravimeters measure gravity directly, while relative gravimeters compare readings taken at different locations. These instruments are valuable in geophysical surveying, mineral exploration, volcano monitoring, cartography, and the study of Earth's shape and density distribution. The word is formal and specialized, so it appears mainly in scientific, engineering, and surveying contexts. Its distinctive feature is that it makes an otherwise invisible physical effect—the pull of mass—available for careful measurement and mapping.
nounAn instrument for measuring gravitational acceleration or the difference in gravitational acceleration between one location and another. Gravimeters are used in geophysics, surveying, geology, and other fields that require precise measurements of Earth's gravitational field.
- An instrument used to measure gravitational acceleration, especially at different locations on Earth.
- An instrument used to detect small differences in gravitational acceleration for geological or geophysical surveying.
"The survey team used a gravimeter to map variations in gravity across the region."
"The researchers carried the gravimeter across the valley to identify subsurface density variations."
"A sensitive absolute gravimeter was installed at the observatory to monitor changes in local gravity."
The standard plural is made by adding -s to the singular form.
"The team calibrated its gravimeters before beginning the survey."
A gravimeter turns the invisible pull of gravity into a measurable number.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does gravimeter come from?
Gravimeter combines the Latin-derived root grav-, associated with gravitas and gravitas meaning weight or heaviness, with the Greek-derived suffix -meter, from metron meaning measure. The compound was developed during the period of modern scientific instrumentation, when increasingly precise measurements of gravity became possible. Its cognate relatives include gravity, gravitate, gravitation, and gravid, all reflecting the Latin root gravis, meaning heavy or weighty.
Related word forms
How gravimeter is actually used
A formal, technical term used primarily in geophysics, geodesy, geology, and surveying. It is not normally used for an ordinary bathroom scale, which measures mass or weight through a mechanical or electronic force measurement.
Easily confused with gravimeter
A gravimeter measures gravitational acceleration or changes in Earth's gravitational field, whereas an accelerometer measures acceleration, including motion and vibration, along one or more axes.