Measuring instrument (Greek pykno = densely packed, Greek métron = measure, right measure) for determining the relative density of solids or liquids by weighing. The first device of this kind is attributed to the Arab polymath Abu Raihan Muhammad al-Biruni (973-1048). It consists of a glass flask with a thinly perforated glass stopper and must be calibrated to a specific volume. If it is successively filled with the liquid to be analysed and with water and both are weighed, the density can be determined.

Pycnometers can be used to determine must weight and alcohol content, among other things. Other devices for these measurements are areometer or refractometers. The picture on the left shows a conventional device, the picture on the right a pycnometer with thermometer and cap to reduce evaporation, filled with iso-propanol and copper particles. See also a list of other measuring methods and devices in viticulture under analytical testing.
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Roman Horvath MW
Domäne Wachau (Wachau)