Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'altimeter'

English Word: altimeter

Key Russian Translations:

• высотомер /vɨ.sɐˈto.mʲɪr/ - [Formal, Technical]

Frequency: Medium (Common in aviation, engineering, and scientific contexts, but not everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; Requires familiarity with technical vocabulary and basic Russian noun inflections)

Pronunciation (Russian):

высотомер: /vɨ.sɐˈto.mʲɪr/

Note on высотомер: The stress falls on the third syllable ("to"), which is a common challenge for English speakers due to Russian's variable stress patterns. The "ы" sound is a central vowel not directly equivalent in English.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: A device that measures altitude, especially in aviation or mountaineering.

Translation(s) & Context:

• высотомер - Used in formal, technical contexts such as aircraft instrumentation or scientific equipment.

Usage Examples:

• В самолёте установлен высотомер для точного измерения высоты полёта.

  In the plane, an altimeter is installed for accurately measuring flight altitude.

• Альпинисты всегда проверяют высотомер перед восхождением на гору.

  Mountaineers always check the altimeter before ascending the mountain.

• Современные высотомеры используют GPS для повышения точности.

  Modern altimeters use GPS to increase accuracy.

• В кабине пилота высотомер отображает текущую высоту в метрах.

  In the pilot's cabin, the altimeter displays the current altitude in meters.

• Если высотомер сломается, полёт может стать опасным.

  If the altimeter breaks, the flight could become dangerous.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Высотомер is a masculine noun (from the root "высота" meaning height). It follows standard Russian noun inflections for masculine nouns ending in a consonant. Below is a table of its declensions:

Note: This noun does not have irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • высотный индикатор (height indicator; more general term, often used interchangeably in aviation)
  • барометрический высотомер (barometric altimeter; specifies the type, emphasizing pressure-based measurement)
• Antonyms: None directly applicable, as this is a specific device. However, related concepts might include "глубиномер" (depth gauge), which measures depth rather than height.

Related Phrases:

• Авиационный высотомер (Aviation altimeter) - A specialized altimeter used in aircraft for flight safety.
• Электронный высотомер (Electronic altimeter) - Refers to digital versions, often integrated with GPS.
• Калибровка высотомера (Calibration of the altimeter) - The process of adjusting the device for accuracy, common in professional settings.

Usage Notes:

Altimeter translates directly to "высотомер" in Russian, which is the most precise and commonly used term in technical contexts. It is primarily formal and technical, so avoid using it in casual conversation. When discussing aviation, ensure the noun is inflected correctly based on its role in the sentence (e.g., in genitive case after prepositions like "of"). If multiple translations exist, choose "высотомер" for general purposes, but opt for "барометрический высотомер" when specifying pressure-based mechanisms. English speakers should note that Russian often pairs this word with adjectives for specificity, such as in phrases related to aircraft or mountaineering.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the word without proper inflection, e.g., saying "Я имею высотомер" instead of "У меня есть высотомер" (correct) or "Я использую высотомер" without adjusting for case.

  Correct Usage: "В самолёте есть высотомер" (In the plane, there is an altimeter). Explanation: Russian requires nouns to agree in case, so beginners often forget to decline it, leading to grammatical errors.

• Error: Confusing it with "барометр" (barometer), assuming they are synonyms.

  Correct Usage: Use "высотомер" for altitude measurement and "барометр" for atmospheric pressure. Explanation: While related, they are not interchangeable, and this mix-up can cause misunderstandings in technical discussions.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture and history, terms like "высотомер" gained prominence during the Soviet era's advancements in aviation and space exploration, such as in the development of aircraft for the Cold War. It symbolizes precision and reliability in high-stakes environments, reflecting Russia's emphasis on engineering excellence in fields like aerospace.

Related Concepts:

• барометр (barometer)
• манометр (manometer)
• гироскоп (gyroscope)