What does solarimeter mean?
A solarimeter is an instrument that measures the intensity or irradiance of energy received from the Sun. It differs from a thermometer, which measures temperature: a solarimeter can indicate how strongly sunlight falls on a specified area without directly determining the air temperature. Solarimeters may be designed to measure direct-beam radiation, diffuse radiation, or the combined total arriving from the sky, so their precise function depends on the instrument and the context of use. They have practical applications in astronomy, meteorology, agriculture, architecture, and the assessment of solar-energy systems. The term is more specialized and uncommon than words such as thermometer or radiometer, but it precisely identifies a device concerned with measuring incoming solar radiation. Its combination of solar and the measure-related suffix -imeter also makes its meaning relatively transparent.
nounAn instrument for measuring the intensity or irradiance of solar radiation. Such instruments may measure direct, diffuse, or total solar energy depending on their design and intended use.
- An instrument used to measure the intensity or irradiance of solar radiation.
"The observatory calibrated its solarimeter against a reference instrument before beginning daily measurements."
"The observatory calibrated its solarimeter against a reference instrument before beginning daily measurements."
"A portable solarimeter was used to compare solar radiation across the roof."
The standard plural is formed by adding -s to the noun.
"Two solarimeters were installed at opposite ends of the observatory."
A solarimeter does not measure how hot the air is; it measures how much energy arrives from the Sun.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does solarimeter come from?
Solarimeter is an English scientific formation combining solar with the measuring suffix -imeter. Its elements reflect Latin sol, meaning “sun,” and Greek metron, meaning “measure,” the same measurement root found in words such as meter, metronome, and heliometer. The compound became established in nineteenth-century scientific English as a name for an instrument that measures solar radiation.
How solarimeter is actually used
This is chiefly a technical term used in astronomy, meteorology, solar-energy research, and instrumentation. It is less common in general usage than thermometer, and the type of radiation measured may need to be specified.