[f. Gr. κύκλο-ς circle + μέτρον measure, -μετρος, -μετρης measuring.]
1. An instrument for measuring circular arcs.
1815. W. Adamson (title), An Universal Principle for Dividing the Circle … by a new Instrument called the Cyclometer.
1880. C. & F. Darwin, Movem. Pl., 93. The black lines on the hypocotyls … became distinctly curved, but in very various degrees (namely, with radii between 20 and 80 mm. on Sachs’ cyclometer).
2. An apparatus attached to the wheel of a vehicle, esp. of a cycle, for registering the distance traversed.
1880. C. E. Pratt, in Scribn. Mag., Feb., 496/1. The cyclometers registered thirty-five miles.
1883. B. W. Richardson, Cycling, in Longm. Mag., Oct., 604. By means of their cyclometers they [cyclists] could correct an immense number of errors respecting distances which the ‘sign-posts’ almost invariably make.
3. humorously. A ‘circle-squarer.’
1866. De Morgan, in Athenæum, 27 Oct., 534/2. Cyclometers have their several styles of wit.
