Dictionary · Instruments
Indicating measuring instrument
A measuring instrument providing an output signal carrying information about the value of the quantity being measured — voltmeters, thermometers, balances.
Related terms
More from Instruments
Resolution of a displaying device
The smallest difference between displayed indications that can be meaningfully distinguished — for a digital display, one count of the least significant digit.
VIM (JCGM 200:2012) 4.15
Detector
A device or substance that indicates the presence of a phenomenon, body, or substance when a threshold of an associated quantity is exceeded — presence, not magnitude.
VIM (JCGM 200:2012) 3.9
Material measure
A device reproducing or supplying, in a permanent manner during its use, quantities of given values — gauge blocks, standard weights, volumetric flasks, standard resistors.
VIM (JCGM 200:2012) 3.6
Sensitivity of a measuring system
The quotient of the change in an indication and the corresponding change in the value of the quantity being measured.
VIM (JCGM 200:2012) 4.12
Maximum permissible error (MPE)
The extreme value of measurement error, with respect to a known reference value, permitted by specifications or regulations for a given instrument. Verification confirms indications fall within ±MPE.
VIM (JCGM 200:2012) 4.26
Indication
The quantity value provided by a measuring instrument or system — the reading, before any correction.
VIM (JCGM 200:2012) 4.1