anemometer

The word 'anemometer' is a modern scientific compound formed directly from Greek elements. Its first part, 'anemo-', derives from the ancient Greek noun 'ánemos', meaning 'wind', a term of Proto-Indo-European origin. The second part, '-meter', originates from the Greek 'métron', meaning 'a measure'. The literal combination, 'wind-measurer', perfectly captures the instrument's function. This transparent construction follows the classical tradition of using Greek roots to form precise technical terms in the sciences, particularly in meteorology, where it was coined in the 18th century to name the newly invented device.

Structure: anemo (wind) + meter (measure) - anemo: From Greek 'anemos', meaning 'wind'. It functions as the core root specifying the subject of measurement. - meter: From Greek 'metron', meaning 'measure'. It functions as a combining form indicating an instrument for measuring.