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.

clinometer

views updated May 29 2018

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

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.

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