nilometer
noun
ni·lom·e·ter
nīˈlämətə(r)
often capitalized
: a gauge for measuring the height of water in the Nile especially during its flood
specifically : a graduated scale cut on a natural rock or in the stone wall of a pit communicating with the river
nilometric adjective often capitalized
¦nīlə¦me‧trik
Word History
Etymology
modification (influenced by English -meter) of New Latin nilometrion, from Greek neilometrion, from Neilos Nile, river in Africa + -metrion (from metron measure)