acidometer

Etymology

Definitions

1. 1

   A hydrometer, especially one that is used to measure the strength of an acid.

   • If the liquid becomes denser, i.e., of greater specific gravity, the acidometer rises, so that more of the tube and its scale is exposed above the liquid, and vice versa.
   • The strength of the acid can be determined by the use of an acidometer and a glass cylinder. The acidometer is placed in the cylinder and sufficient acid at 60°F. is then added to make the acidometer float.
2. 2

   Any of various other devices used to measure acidity, either chemical or electronic.

   • We think the acidometer a very dangerous instrument in the hands of the inexperienced, as the solution of ammonia is subject to the influence of air so much.
   • Acidometer tests (electronically measuring decay acids on the teeth) made 30 minutes after brushing with ordinary tooth paste, showed “dangerous decay acids”, in most every case.
   • Indeed, the acidometer appears to me a useless instrument,—a scientific toy which can never be turned to any practical account. If by accident the milk has become sour, the fact soon manifests itself sufficiently to the taste.

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