Definition

A tool used to measure how water moves through soil and to find out what substances are washed away with the water.

Example

The scientist used a lysimeter to study the effects of irrigation on soil drainage.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of a lysimeter?

No, what is that?

It's an instrument that measures how water moves through soil.

That sounds really interesting! I didn't know such devices existed.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Lysimeter → It is formed from "lysis" (from Greek "lysis", meaning to loosen or dissolve) and "meter" (from Greek "metron", meaning measure). A lysimeter is a device used to measure the amount of water that is lost from soil through evaporation and plant transpiration, thus relating to the measurement of the process of loosening or dissolving water from the soil.

Memory Tip

Think of 'lysis' meaning to 'loosen' or 'dissolve' and 'meter' meaning to 'measure'. This helps you remember that a lysimeter measures the loosening or loss of water from the soil.

Visually Confused Words