altimeter
Meaning: An instrument used to measure the altitude or height of an object above a fixed reference point, typically sea level, especially in aircraft and for mountaineering.
Altimeters are critical safety instruments in aviation, where accurate altitude readings prevent collisions and ensure safe approaches. The two main types are barometric altimeters (which infer altitude from atmospheric pressure) and radar altimeters (which measure the time taken for radio waves to bounce off the ground). Hikers and mountaineers use altimeter watches calibrated to local conditions. GPS-based altimeters have become increasingly common in consumer devices.
Examples
- The pilot checked the altimeter and confirmed the aircraft was maintaining its assigned flight level of thirty-five thousand feet. 飞行员检查了高度计,确认飞机正保持在指定的三万五千英尺飞行高度。El piloto comprobó el altímetro y confirmó que la aeronave mantenía su nivel de vuelo asignado de treinta y cinco mil pies.パイロットは高度計を確認し、航空機が指定された高度3万5千フィートを維持していることを確認した。조종사는 고도계를 확인하고 항공기가 지정된 비행고도 3만 5천 피트를 유지하고 있음을 확인했다.
- At high altitude, the barometric altimeter became less reliable due to rapid changes in atmospheric pressure. 在高海拔地区,由于大气压力的急剧变化,气压高度计变得不太可靠。A gran altitud, el altímetro barométrico se volvía menos fiable debido a los cambios rápidos de la presión atmosférica.高高度では、大気圧の急激な変化のため気圧高度計の信頼性が低下した。고고도에서는 대기압의 급격한 변화로 인해 기압 고도계의 신뢰성이 떨어졌다.
- The mountaineer's altimeter watch showed they had ascended over four thousand metres since base camp. 登山者的高度计手表显示他们从大本营出发后已上升了四千多米。El reloj altimétrico del montañero indicaba que habían ascendido más de cuatro mil metros desde el campo base.登山者の高度計付き腕時計は、ベースキャンプから4千メートル以上登ったことを示していた。등산가의 고도계 시계는 베이스캠프에서 4천 미터 이상 올라왔음을 보여 주었다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: professional, academic
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Latin altus (high) + Greek metron (measure). Coined in the early 20th century as powered flight created a practical need for instruments to measure height above ground.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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