Pedometer
/ˈpɛd.əˌmɛ.tər/noun
An instrument for measuring the distance traveled on foot by recording the number of steps taken.
Did you know?The term 'pedometer' combines Greek roots, where 'pedo-' means 'foot' and 'meter' means 'measure', connecting the act of walking to the very essence of measurement itself.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
πούς (pous)
“foot, a fundamental unit of measurement.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
μετρητής (metretēs)
“a measure, referring to any instrument that quantifies distance.”
Middle French
French
pédomètre
“a device for measuring footsteps, deriving directly from its Greek roots.”
18th Century
English
pedometer
“adoption of the French term into English, solidifying its function as a distance-measuring device for walkers.”