goniometer
|go-ni-o-me-ter|
🇺🇸
/ˌɡoʊniˈɑːmɪtər/
🇬🇧
/ˌɡɒniˈɒmɪtə/
instrument for measuring angles
Etymology
'goniometer' originates from Greek via New Latin/Modern scientific formation, specifically the Greek words 'gōnia' and 'metron', where 'gōnia' meant 'angle' and 'metron' meant 'measure'.
'goniometer' entered English in scientific usage (19th century) from New Latin/Modern Greek-influenced formations such as French 'goniomètre' and Latinized forms, combining 'gōnia' + 'meter' (from 'metron').
Initially, it meant 'an instrument for measuring angles' in scientific contexts, and this core meaning has been retained, with specialized uses (for example, medical goniometers) developing over time.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
an instrument for measuring angles or the angle between two lines or surfaces; used in fields such as surveying, crystallography, optics, and engineering.
The surveyor adjusted the goniometer to determine the exact angle between the two boundary lines.
Synonyms
Noun 2
a medical instrument used to measure the range of motion of a joint (e.g., knee or shoulder).
The physiotherapist used a goniometer to measure the patient's knee flexion.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/08/31 20:45