Definition

A device used to measure the amount of moisture in the air by comparing the temperatures of a wet bulb and a dry bulb thermometer.

Example

The meteorologist used a psychrometer to determine the humidity levels before the storm.

Conversation

I just got a new psychrometer for measuring humidity.

That's cool! How does it work exactly?

It uses two thermometers, one wet and one dry, to show the moisture level in the air.

Sounds interesting! I’d love to see how it compares with just a regular hygrometer.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Psychrometer → It is formed from "psyche" (from Greek "psukhē", meaning soul or mind) and "-rometer" (from Greek "metron", meaning measure). The word refers to an instrument that measures the moisture in the air, relating to the 'soul' or 'spirit' of the atmosphere.

Memory Tip

Think of 'measuring' ('-rometer') the 'soul' or 'spirit' ('psyche') of the air to remember that a psychrometer is used to measure humidity.

Visually Confused Words