cathetometer

1 definition found

cathetometer - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Cathetometer \Cath`e*tom"e*ter\, n. [From Gr. ? vertical height
     + -meter.]
     An instrument for the accurate measurement of small
     differences of height; esp. of the differences in the height
     of the upper surfaces of two columns of mercury or other
     fluid, or of the same column at different times. It consists
     of a telescopic leveling apparatus (d), which slides up or
     down a perpendicular metallic standard very finely graduated
     (bb). The telescope is raised or depressed in order to sight
     the objects or surfaces, and the differences in vertical
     height are thus shown on the graduated standard. [Written
     also kathetometer.]
     [1913 Webster]