(たいおんけい)

たいおんけい
noun
thermometer (for body temperature)
1. thermometer (medical)
A device for measuring body temperature.
体温計(たいおんけい)(ねつ)(はか)る。
To take one's temperature with a thermometer.
非接触(ひせっしょく)体温計(たいおんけい)便利(べんり)だ。
Contactless thermometers are convenient.
体温計(たいおんけい)は37.5()(しめ)した。
The thermometer showed 37.5 degrees.

体温計(たいおんけい) is a compound of 体温(たいおん) (body temperature) + (けい) (meter/gauge). Used specifically for measuring body temperature, not room or outdoor temperature.

TYPES:

  • 水銀(すいぎん)体温計(たいおんけい): mercury thermometer (traditional, being phased out)
  • 電子(でんし)体温計(たいおんけい): digital thermometer (most common today)
  • 非接触(ひせっしょく)体温計(たいおんけい): contactless/infrared thermometer

COMMON PATTERNS:

  • 体温計(たいおんけい)(はか)る: to measure with a thermometer
  • 体温計(たいおんけい)(わき)(はさ)む: to place the thermometer under the arm

NOTE:
Normal body temperature in Japan is typically cited as 36-37°C. A reading of 37.5°C or above is generally considered a fever (発熱(はつねつ)).

SIMILAR 〜(けい) WORDS:

  • 温度計(おんどけい): thermometer (for room/outdoor temperature)
  • 血圧計(けつあつけい): blood pressure monitor