Colorimeters

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. An instrument used for measuring the intensity or concentration of colors in solutions or substances
2. a device employed in scientific analysis to determine light absorption properties of materials
3. a tool utilized for quantifying color differences and variations, often in laboratory settings

Etymology: "Colorimeters" is the plural of "colorimeter," an instrument for measuring color, so its history is that of the word's two parts. The first, "color," comes from Latin "color" (genitive "colōris"), which meant hue, complexion or outward appearance. The second, "-meter," comes from Greek "metron," meaning measure, and is the same element found in words like "thermometer" and "barometer." Joined together, the parts describe a device that measures color, the way a thermometer measures heat. The pattern is a modern one. Scientists built such compounds from classical roots whenever they needed a precise name for a new instrument, so "colorimeter" is a technical coinage rather than an ancient word. The Latin "color" passed into English through Old French, which is why the spelling was later altered in British usage to "colour," while the scientific term kept the American-style spelling.