Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Dynamometer \Dy`na*mom"e*ter\, n. [Cf. F. dynamom[`e]tre. See
   {Dynameter}.]
   An apparatus for measuring force or power; especially,
   muscular effort of men or animals, or the power developed by
   a motor, or that required to operate machinery.

   Note: It usually embodies a spring to be compressed or weight
         to be sustained by the force applied, combined with an
         index, or automatic recorder, to show the work
         performed.

Source : WordNet®

dynamometer
     n : measuring instrument designed to measure power [syn: {ergometer}]