What does pyrometry mean?
Pyrometry is the measurement of temperature, particularly at high temperatures where ordinary thermometers may be unsuitable. Its methods often infer temperature from properties of radiation emitted or reflected by a heated object. In optical pyrometry, for example, the intensity or color of visible light can be related to the temperature of a furnace, molten metal, or other glowing body. The term comes from two Greek elements meaning “fire” and “measurement,” reflecting the discipline’s historical association with intense heat. Although thermometry covers temperature measurement more generally, pyrometry is especially associated with industrial, experimental, and scientific work involving extreme conditions. It is also useful beyond the measurement of visible heat: some pyrometric methods rely on infrared radiation and can determine temperatures without touching the object being studied.
nounThe measurement of temperature, especially temperatures above those conveniently measured with ordinary thermometers. Pyrometry commonly uses the intensity or wavelength of radiation emitted by a hot object to determine its temperature.
- The measurement of temperature, especially high temperatures, commonly by methods based on emitted or reflected radiation.
"The furnace was monitored by optical pyrometry throughout the manufacturing process."
"Optical pyrometry was used to estimate the temperature of the molten metal."
"The study compares pyrometry data with measurements obtained from conventional temperature sensors."
Pyrometry can determine the temperature of a glowing furnace from the radiation it emits, turning visible or infrared glow into a temperature reading.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does pyrometry come from?
Pyrometry combines the Greek pyr, meaning “fire,” with metron, meaning “measure.” The term developed as a specialized name for the measurement of high temperatures. Its related vocabulary—including pyrometer, pyrometric, and the Greek-rooted words pyrolysis and pyrotechnics—reflects the same association with fire and heat.
Related word forms
How pyrometry is actually used
In technical usage, the term most often denotes temperature measurement at temperatures too high for ordinary contact thermometers. It is primarily used in science, engineering, metallurgy, and industrial process control.
Easily confused with pyrometry
Thermometry is the general measurement of temperature, whereas pyrometry traditionally refers especially to the measurement of high temperatures.
Pyrometry is the process or science of measuring high temperatures, while a pyrometer is an instrument used to make such measurements.