Definition

A device that measures temperature by using two different metals joined together, which creates a voltage that indicates the temperature difference.

Example

The engineer used a thermocouple to monitor the temperature of the furnace.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of a thermocouple?

Yeah, I think it's used to measure temperature, right?

Exactly! It's made of two different metals that create a voltage difference.

That's pretty cool! I didn't know it worked that way.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Thermocouple → It is formed from "thermo-" (from Greek "thermos", meaning heat) and "couple" (from Latin "copulare", meaning to join or couple). The word "thermocouple" refers to a device that joins two different metals to measure temperature by producing a voltage based on heat.

Memory Tip

Think of 'heat' ('thermo-') being 'joined' ('couple') together to measure temperature — that's what a thermocouple does.

Visually Confused Words