altimeter Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun an instrument that measures the height above ground; used in navigation

WordNet

Al*tim"e*ter noun
Etymology
LL. altimeter; altus high + metrum, Gr. , measure: cf. F. altimètre.
Definitions
  1. An instrument for taking altitudes, as a quadrant, sextant, etc. Knight.

Webster 1913