clinometer

views updated May 08 2018

clinometer An instrument for measuring the angle between an inclined surface and the horizontal, using a pendulum or spirit level and a calibrated circular scale. A clinometer may be incorporated into a magnetic compass, as a ‘compass clinometer’. Clinometers are used to measure the inclination of bedding, cleavage, lineations, fault planes, etc.

A Dictionary of Earth Sciences AILSA ALLABY and MICHAEL ALLABY

clinometer

views updated May 29 2018

cli·nom·e·ter / klīˈnamətər/ • n. Surveying an instrument used for measuring the angle or elevation of slopes.

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

clinometer

views updated May 17 2018

clinometer instrument for measuring slopes. XIX. f. clino-, used as comb. form of stem of Gr. klī́nein slope (see LEAN 2) + -METER.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD

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