altimeter
al-TIM-ih-ter
/ælˈtɪmɪtər/
An instrument that measures and displays the altitude or height of an aircraft above a baseline, usually barometric sea level.
Sensitive to changes in atmospheric pressure, requiring pilots to calibrate it periodically using airport barometric readings.
The story behind the word. Formed in the 19th century from Latin 'altus' (high) and Greek 'metron' (measure). Early balloonists adopted barometric altimeters to estimate height as air pressure dropped during ascent.
Word relationships
- altitude gauge: Altitude gauge is an informal descriptive phrase; altimeter is the precise technical noun.
Commonly confused with
- barometer: A barometer measures raw atmospheric pressure; an altimeter uses pressure measurement calibrated specifically to show height.
Collocations
- altimeter setting
- radar altimeter
- barometric altimeter
- check the altimeter
Example sentences
- "The pilot cross-checked the altimeter setting with the ground station tower to ensure correct altitude readouts." Cockpit scan
- "As fog rolled across the airfield, the radar altimeter gave exact height above terrain readings." Low visibility approach
Memory hook
ALTI (altitude) + METER (measure) = Altitude measurer. Height measuring gauge.
When not to use
Do not confuse with a speedometer or variometer (which measures rate of climb/descent).
Fun facts
- If a pilot forgets to update the altimeter setting when flying into low-pressure weather, the plane will actually be lower than the gauge indicates!
Explore more words
altitude, Barometric, gauge, calibrate, avionics, transponder
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