noun
- instruments used to measure the area of irregular plane figures by tracing their perimeter
Usage: technical; engineering
Examples
- The surveyor used planimeters to calculate the area of the irregularly shaped plot.
- Engineering students learned to operate planimeters in their drafting class.
- Digital planimeters have largely replaced mechanical ones in modern surveying.
- The cartographer relied on planimeters to measure areas on topographic maps.
- Planimeters work by mechanically integrating as you trace around a shape’s boundary.
- Before computer software, planimeters were essential tools for architects and engineers.