Definition

A device that measures very small changes in the shape or size of a material when it is stretched, compressed, bent, or twisted.

Example

The engineer used an extensometer to monitor the strain on the metal beam during the test.

Conversation

Have you ever used an extensometer for your experiments?

No, I haven't. What does it do?

It's used to measure tiny deformations in materials when they are stressed.

That sounds really useful for understanding how materials behave!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Extensometer → It is formed from "extensio" (from Latin, meaning stretching) and "-meter" (from Greek "metron", meaning measure). The word refers to an instrument that measures the extent of stretching or elongation.

Memory Tip

Think of 'stretching' ('extensio') and 'measuring' ('-meter') to remember that an extensometer is a device that measures how much something stretches.

Visually Confused Words