astrometer
|as-trom-e-ter|
🇺🇸
/əˈstrɑːmɪtər/
🇬🇧
/əˈstrɒmɪtər/
star measurer
Etymology
'astrometer' originates from Modern Latin/Neo-Latin and Greek elements, specifically from Greek 'astron' and 'metron', where 'astron' meant 'star' and 'metron' meant 'measure'.
'astrometer' was formed in modern scientific English from the Greek elements via New/Modern Latin formations related to 'astrometria' (astrometry); the English noun developed by combining the prefix 'astro-' with the suffix '-meter' to denote an instrument or agent that measures.
Initially formed to mean 'a device or person that measures stars' (literally 'star-measurer'); this core sense has remained stable, though usage is specialized within astronomy and astrometry.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
an instrument used for measuring the positions, motions, or other properties of stars and other celestial bodies (used in astrometry).
The observatory installed a new astrometer to improve parallax measurements.
Synonyms
Noun 2
a person who practices astrometry — i.e., someone who measures or studies the positions and motions of celestial objects.
As an experienced astrometer, she specialized in precise measurements of stellar motion.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/11/08 10:42