Tachometer

created by Webster 1913
(thing) by Sylvar (2.3 mon) (print)   (I like it!) Mon Sep 11 2000 at 16:08:25
Tachometers weren't very popular in automobiles when our friend Webster 1913 was around, so let me just say this about that:

A tachometer is now a gauge in the dashboard of a car that shows you the number of revolutions per minute the camshaft in your engine makes as the pistons fire. The more RPMs, the faster it's turning.

(definition) by Webster 1913 (print) Wed Dec 22 1999 at 3:40:19

Ta*chom"e*ter (?), n. [Gr. swiftness, speed (fr. quick) + -meter: cf. F. tachometre.]

An instrument for measuring the velocity, or indicating changes in the velocity, of a moving body or substance.

Specifically: --

(a)

An instrument for measuring the velocity of running water in a river or canal, consisting of a wheel with inclined vanes, which is turned by the current. The rotations of the wheel are recorded by clockwork.

(b)

An instrument for showing at any moment the speed of a revolving shaft, consisting of a delicate revolving conical pendulum which is driven by the shaft, and the action of which by change of speed moves a pointer which indicates the speed on a graduated dial.

(c) Physiol.

An instrument for measuring the velocity of the blood; a haematachometer.

 

© Webster 1913.

Y'know, if you log in, you can write something here, or contact authors directly on the site. Create a New User if you don't already have an account.