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Speedometer: meaning, definitions and examples

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speedometer

 

[ spiːˈdɒmɪtə ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

automotive instrument

A speedometer is an instrument that measures and displays the speed of a vehicle. It often indicates the speed in miles per hour (mph) or kilometers per hour (km/h). This instrument is essential for drivers to monitor their speed to comply with traffic regulations. Speedometers can be analog with a dial or digital in the form of an electronic readout.

Synonyms

speed gauge, velocity meter.

Examples of usage

  • The speedometer showed I was driving too fast.
  • He glanced at the speedometer to check his speed.
  • The car's speedometer was broken, causing concern.
  • She always keeps an eye on the speedometer when driving.

Translations

Translations of the word "speedometer" in other languages:

🇵🇹 velocímetro

🇮🇳 गति मापक

🇩🇪 Geschwindigkeitsmesser

🇮🇩 speedometer

🇺🇦 спідометр

🇵🇱 prędkościomierz

🇯🇵 スピードメーター

🇫🇷 odomètre

🇪🇸 velocímetro

🇹🇷 hız göstergesi

🇰🇷 속도계

🇸🇦 عداد السرعة

🇨🇿 rychloměr

🇸🇰 rýchlomer

🇨🇳 速度计

🇸🇮 hitrostomer

🇮🇸 hraðamælir

🇰🇿 жылдамдық өлшегіш

🇬🇪 სწრაფობის ინდიკატორი

🇦🇿 sürətölçən

🇲🇽 velocímetro

Etymology

The word 'speedometer' is a compound of 'speed' and the Greek-derived suffix '-meter', which means 'to measure'. 'Speed' originates from the Old English word 'spēd', meaning 'success, prosperity, haste', while '-meter' comes from the Greek word 'metron', meaning 'measure'. The term started being used in the early 19th century as automotive technology advanced, specifically with the advent of steam-powered vehicles. Speedometers became crucial as they enabled drivers to maintain lawful speeds on the road, contributing to road safety measures. As vehicles evolved through the years, so did speedometer technology, becoming more accurate and incorporating various features like trip meters and average speed calculations.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,480, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.