micrometer meaning: definition, etymology and quotations

micrometer

noun

UK /maɪˈkɹɒmɪtə/ · US /maɪˈkɹɑmɪtəɹ/

Etymology From French micromètre, equivalent to micro- + -meter.

A device used to measure distance very precisely but within a limited range, especially depth, thickness, and diameter.

Derived terms: ocular micrometer, photomicrometer, radiomicrometer, sonomicrometer, stage micrometer, submicrometer, ultramicrometer, videomicrometer

noun

UK /ˈmaɪkɹəˌmiːtə/ · US /ˈmaɪkɹoʊˌmiːtəɹ/

Etymology From micro- (“one millionth”) + meter.

US US spelling of micrometre (“one-millionth of a metre”).

A strain is usually expressed in μm/m (micrometer per meter), also known as microstrain, which has the symbol µε. You may also see “mV/V,” which refers to the output in millivolts per volt of excitation.2025 September 26, Grant Maloy Smith, “What Is a Strain Gauge Sensor and How Does It Work?”, in DEWESoft, archived from the original on 14 Nov 2025: