Definitions

1. noun

An instrument for measuring changes in air pressure, used primarily in aviation for determining altitude and air density.

“The pilot relied on the variometer to navigate through the turbulent weather.”

2. noun

A device that measures variations in a physical quantity, such as magnetic field strength or temperature.

“The research team used a variometer to study the Earth’s magnetic field.”

3. noun

A device used to measure variations in the earth’s magnetic field for navigation, especially in aviation.

“The early aviators used a variometer to plot their courses.”