pycnometer

noun

pyc·​nom·​e·​ter pik-ˈnä-mə-tər How to pronounce pycnometer (audio)
variants or pyknometer
: a standard vessel for measuring and comparing the densities of liquids or solids

Word History

Etymology

Greek pyknos + International Scientific Vocabulary -meter

First Known Use

1858, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pycnometer was in 1858

Rhymes for pycnometer

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Browse Nearby Words

Pycnogonida
pycnometer
pycnomorphic
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pycnometer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pycnometer. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.

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Medical Definition

pycnometer

noun
pyc·​nom·​e·​ter
variants or pyknometer
pik-ˈnäm-ət-ər How to pronounce pycnometer (audio)
: a standard vessel often provided with a thermometer for measuring and comparing the densities or specific gravities of liquids or solids
pycnometric adjective
or pyknometric
ˌpik-nə-ˈme-trik How to pronounce pycnometer (audio)
pycnometry noun
or pyknometry
ˌpik-ˈnäm-ə-trē How to pronounce pycnometer (audio)
plural pycnometries or pyknometries

More from Merriam-Webster on pycnometer

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pycnometer

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