multímetro
/mulˈtimetɾo/masculine
The Spanish word for multimeter is multímetro. Wiktionary also lists polimetro.
Meaning: measuring instrument (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| multímetro | /mulˈtimetɾo/ | masculine |
| polimetro | /polimetɾo/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
The term refers to a measuring instrument.
Which one should you use?
multímetro is the standard, most widely recognized term for a multimeter across the Spanish-speaking world.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, polímetro is sometimes used interchangeably with multímetro.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun is masculine, so it is used with the definite article el as in el multímetro.
How do you pronounce it?
/mulˈtimetɾo/
Did you know?
- If you are working in a workshop in Latin America, you might hear someone ask for a tester instead of a multímetro. This English loanword is common in technical jargon, even though it is not the formal Spanish term.
- The term multímetro is a linguistic hybrid, combining a Latin prefix multi- with a Greek root -metro.
- The root of multímetro traces back to the Proto-Indo-European root *meh₁-, which is the prehistoric ancestor of the English word 'measure'.
Examples in context
- Necesito un multímetro para medir la corriente eléctrica.I need a multimeter to measure electric current.
- No tengo un tester, ¿podrías prestarme el tuyo?I don't have a multimeter, could you lend me yours?
- Necesito un multímetro para este trabajo.I need a multimeter for this job.
- El multímetro está en la caja de herramientas.The multimeter is in the toolbox.
- Compré un multímetro digital ayer.I bought a digital multimeter yesterday.
Example conversation
Daniel and María are in a garage working on an electrical circuit.
- Daniel¿Dónde dejaste el multímetro, María?Where did you leave the multimeter, María?
- MaríaEstá sobre la mesa de trabajo.It is on the workbench.
- DanielGracias, voy a revisar el voltaje.Thanks, I am going to check the voltage.
- MaríaTen cuidado con los cables.Be careful with the wires.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “multimeter” translations and entries multímetro, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries multímetro, CC BY-SA 4.0.
