dry-bulb temperature

noun

ˈdrī-ˈbəlb-

variants or dry bulb temperature

plural dry-bulb temperatures or dry bulb temperatures

: the temperature of the atmosphere measured by or as if by a dry-bulb thermometer

When people refer to the temperature of the air, they are normally referring to its dry-bulb temperature because the air temperature is indicated by a thermometer not affected by the moisture of the air.—

Christopher Lane II

Note: The dry-bulb temperature can be used in combination with the wet-bulb temperature to determine the humidity of the atmosphere.

Word History

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of dry-bulb temperature was in 1848

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Dry-bulb temperature.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dry-bulb%20temperature. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.

Copy Citation