odometer
UK/ɒ'dɒmitә/US
GREC2
Definitions
n.
An instrument that measures the distance a vehicle has travelled
里程表
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedhodos ('road') + metron ('measure') = a road-measurer — the dashboard instrument counting how far a vehicle has driven. It is the one odo word where 'road' is still visible on the surface.
Root odo still carries 6 more wordsUsage Guide
Chiefly American; British English often says 'milometer' or 'mileometer.' Don't confuse with a 'speedometer' (speed) — the odometer counts total distance, not current speed.
Example Sentences
- 1.
The used car had a suspiciously low odometer reading.
- 2.
Check the odometer before buying any second-hand vehicle.