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: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)