CLINICAL THERMOMETER Meaning and
Definition
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A clinical thermometer refers to a specialized instrument used to measure the human body temperature with accuracy and precision. It is an essential tool utilized in clinical settings like hospitals, clinics, and doctor's offices for diagnostic and monitoring purposes.
The design of a clinical thermometer is distinctive, comprising of a long, slender glass tube that contains a silver or mercury-based thermometric fluid. This fluid expands or contracts with changing temperatures, thus enabling temperature measurements. The thermometer typically has a measurement scale with clearly marked units of temperature such as Celsius or Fahrenheit.
To obtain an accurate reading, the clinical thermometer is placed in contact with the human body, preferably in areas with rich blood supply like the mouth, armpit, or rectum. The thermometer is allowed to remain in place for a specific period to ensure the thermometer adjusts to the body temperature. Once the equilibrium is achieved, the thermometer is removed and the temperature reading is recorded.
Clinical thermometers are designed to measure the human body temperature within a specific range, typically between 35°C and 42°C (95°F and 108°F). This allows healthcare professionals to monitor body temperature abnormalities associated with fever, heatstroke, or hypothermia.
In recent times, digital clinical thermometers have gained popularity, replacing the traditional mercury-infused ones due to safety concerns. They offer greater convenience, ease of use, and faster measurements. Some digital clinical thermometers also possess additional features like memory storage and fever alarms, making temperature monitoring more efficient and user-friendly.
Overall, the clinical thermometer is an essential medical device utilized for accurate temperature measurement in clinical environments for the purpose of diagnosis and monitoring of human body temperature.
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A small self registering t., consisting of a simple glass tube without frame, used for taking the temperature of the body.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for CLINICAL THERMOMETER
- xlinical thermometer
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- clunical thermometer
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- climical thermometer
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- clinucal thermometer
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Etymology of CLINICAL THERMOMETER
The word "clinical thermometer" is composed of two parts: "clinical" and "thermometer".
The term "clinical" is derived from the Latin word "clinicus", which means "pertaining to a bed". It originates from the Greek word "klinē", meaning "bed". In the medical context, "clinical" refers to anything relating to the examination and treatment of patients, particularly in a hospital or medical setting.
The word "thermometer" is comprised of "thermo", derived from the Greek word "thermos", meaning "hot", and "meter", from the Greek word "metron", meaning "measure". Therefore, "thermometer" combines the elements of measuring temperature through thermal means.
Thus, the term "clinical thermometer" refers to a measuring instrument used in a medical or clinical environment specifically for measuring body temperature.
