The word "butyrometer" is spelled with the IPA transcription of /bjuːtɪˈrɒmɪtə/. This word is composed of two Greek roots, "butyr" meaning butter and "meter" meaning measure. The "-ometer" suffix is commonly used to indicate an instrument used for measuring a specific substance. Therefore, a butyrometer is an instrument used to measure the percentage of butterfat in milk. The spelling of this word follows the standard English rules for combining Greek roots with English suffixes.
A butyrometer is a specialized instrument used for measuring the percentage of fat content in various substances, primarily dairy products such as milk or cream. This device is specifically designed to determine the butterfat content in liquid samples through a process known as butyrometry.
Typically consisting of a glass tube and a calibrated scale, the butyrometer employs the principles of centrifugation to separate the fat from the remaining components of the sample. The liquid to be tested is added to the tube along with a specific volume of reagents. After this mixture is centrifuged, the fat globules rise to the top while the remaining liquid settles at the bottom.
The calibrated scale on the butyrometer allows for accurate measurements of the resulting fat layer. By comparing the level of fat against the scale, the operator can ascertain the exact percentage of butterfat in the original sample. This information is crucial in the dairy industry for quality control purposes, as it helps determine the fat content in various dairy products to ensure they meet legal requirements and consumer expectations.
In addition to its application in the dairy industry, the butyrometer is also used in agricultural research and nutritional analysis to determine the fat content in animal feed and other agricultural products. The device is a valuable tool for professionals in the food and dairy industries who require reliable measurements of fat content for product development and quality assessment purposes.
An instrument for determining the amount of butter fat in milk.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "butyrometer" is derived from two Latin roots: "butyrum" and "metron".
- "Butyrum" means "butter" in Latin.
- "Metron" means "measure" in Greek.
Therefore, the etymology of "butyrometer" signifies an instrument or device used to measure something related to butter.