stalagmometer

stalagmometer (stal-uhg-MOM-i-ter) - n., an instrument for measuring the surface tension of a liquid.


Or more precisely, an instrument for either counting the number of drops or the weight of each drop in a given volume of fluid, from which the surface tension of that fluid can be calculated. Basically, the lower the tension, the smaller the drops, and thus the smaller weight/more numerous in a given quantity of the fluid. The basic form is a glass tube with a hollow bulb in it and one narrow end with a small opening, thus:


Thanks, KRÜSS GmbH!

Also called stalogometer, stactometer, or staktometer, all from the Greek root stalagmós, dripping.

---L.