an instrument for measuring variations in a magnetic field, used esp for studying the magnetic field of the earth
2. electronics
a variable inductor consisting of a movable coil mounted inside and connected in series with a fixed coil
3.
a sensitive rate-of-climb indicator, used mainly in gliders
variometer in American English
(ˌvɛriˈɑmətər; ˌ væriˈɑmətər)
noun
1.
any of various devices designed to measure or record small variations in some quantity, as air pressure
2.
a geophysical instrument for measuring magnetic forces or determining variations of magnetic force, esp. at different places on the earth
3. Electronics
a continuously variable inductor consisting of a coil mounted within and in serieswith a fixed coil, with the inner coil capable of rotation so as to vary the total inductance