spherometer
(sfɛˈrɒmɪtə(r))
Also sphærometer.
[ad. F. sphéromètre: see sphero- and -meter.]
An instrument for measuring the sphericality or curvature of bodies or surfaces.
| 1827–8 Herschel in Encycl. Metrop. (1845) IV. 567 The ‘Spherometer’, a delicate species of calibre contrived by M. Biot. 1830 ― Study Nat. Philos. 355 The elegant invention of the sphræometer,..substituting the sense of touch for that of sight in the measurement of minute objects. 1876 Catal. Sci. App. S. Kens. 29 Spherometer for measuring spherical curves, with true gun-metal plane. |
| Comb. 1903 Nature 12 March 442/2 The spherometer-calliper, which, we believe, was used with success in the testing of the instruments employed in the transit of Venus expeditions. |