pedometer

The word 'pedometer' is a modern scientific compound, constructed in the 18th century from two classical Greek roots. The first element, pedo-, derives from the Greek pous (genitive podos), meaning "foot." The second element, -meter, comes from the Greek metron, meaning "a measure." Literally, the term means "a foot-measurer." While the ancient Greeks had no such device, the logic of the construction is transparent: it is an instrument that measures (counts) footsteps. The word follows a common pattern in English technical vocabulary, where Greek roots are combined to form precise, descriptive terms for new inventions.

Structure: pedo (foot) + meter (measure) - pedo: From Greek pous, podos (foot). In this compound, it appears as the combining form pedo-. - meter: From Greek metron (measure). In this compound, it appears as the combining form -meter.