hydrometer

3 definitions found

hydrometer - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Hydrometer \Hy*drom"e*ter\, n. [Hydro-, 1 + -meter: cf. F.
     hydrom[`e]tre.]
     1. (Physics) An instrument for determining the specific
        gravities of liquids, and thence the strength spirituous
        liquors, saline solutions, etc.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     Note: It is usually made of glass with a graduated stem, and
           indicates the specific gravity of a liquid by the depth
           to which it sinks in it, the zero of the scale marking
           the depth to which it sinks in pure water. Extra
           weights are sometimes used to adapt the scale to
           liquids of different densities.
           [1913 Webster]
  
     2. An instrument, variously constructed, used for measuring
        the velocity or discharge of water, as in rivers, from
        reservoirs, etc., and called by various specific names
        according to its construction or use, as tachometer,
        rheometer, hydrometer, pendulum, etc.; a current
        gauge. Hydrometric

hydrometer - WordNet (r) 2.1 (2005) :

  hydrometer
      n 1: a measuring instrument for determining the specific gravity
           of a liquid or solid [syn: hydrometer, gravimeter]

hydrometer - Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856) :

  HYDROMETER. An instrument for measuring the density of fluids; being 
  immersed in fluids, as in water, brine, beer, brandy, &c., it determines the 
  proportion of their densities, or their specific gravities, and thence their 
  qualities. 
       2. By, the Act of Congress of January 12, 1825, 3 Story's' Laws U. S. 
  1976, the secretary of the treasury is authorized, under the direction of 
  the president of the United States, to adopt and substitute such hydrometer 
  as he may deem best calculated to promote the public interest, in lieu of 
  that now prescribed by law, for the purpose of ascertaining the proof of 
  liquors; and that after such adoption and substitution, the duties imposed 
  by law upon distilled spirits shall be levied, collected and paid, according 
  to the proof ascertained by any hydrometer so substituted and adopted.