rain-gauge Device, usually of copper or polyester, used for measuring rainfall amount. A tapering funnel of standard dimension allows the rain-water to collect in an enclosed bottle or cylinder for subsequent measurement. The gauge is set in open ground with the funnel rim up to 30 cm above the ground surface. Some gauges are calibrated to allow the amount of rainfall to be read directly; with others it must be calculated from the depth of water in the container and the dimensions of the funnel.

rain-gauge A device, usually of copper or polyester, used for measuring rainfall amount. A tapering funnel of standard dimension allows the rainwater to collect in an enclosed bottle or cylinder for subsequent measurement. The gauge is set in open ground with the funnel rim up to 30 cm above the ground surface. Some gauges are calibrated to allow the amount of rainfall to be read directly; with others it must be calculated from the depth of water in the funnel and the dimensions of the funnel.