thermocouple

ther·mo·cou·ple  (thûrm-kpl)

n.

A thermoelectric device used to measure temperatures accurately, especially one consisting of two dissimilar metals joined so that a potential difference generated between the points of contact is a measure of the temperature difference between the points.

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thermocouple

Noun

a device for measuring temperature, consisting of a pair of wires of different metals joined at both ends

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thermocouple  (thûrm-kpl)

A thermoelectric device used to make accurate measurements of temperatures, especially high temperatures. It consists of a circuit having two wires of different metals or metal alloys welded together. A temperature gradient across the junction of the wires gives rise to an electric potential by the Seebeck effect. This potential varies with the strength of the temperature gradient and can be measured by a voltmeter. Thermocouples can also be used to generate small amounts of electricity for powering other devices.

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

thermocouple - a kind of thermometer consisting of two wires of different metals that are joined at both ends; one junction is at the temperature to be measured and the other is held at a fixed lower temperature; the current generated in the circuit is proportional to the temperature difference thermocouple junction thermometer - measuring instrument for measuring temperature