hydrophore

Noun

hydrophore (plural hydrophores)

1. (obsolete) An instrument used to obtain specimens of water from any desired depth.
   • Fig. 9. represents a hydrophore used for procuring specimens of water from moderate depths, drawn on a scale of one-tenth of the full size.1842, David Stevenson, “Hydrometrical Observations”, in The Edinburgh New Philosophical Journal, volume 32, page 388
   • When the hydrophore is to be used, the cylinder is lowered to the required depth by the pole which is fixed to its side; or if the depth be greater than the range of the pole, it is loaded with weights, and let down by means of a rope so attached as to keep it in a vertical position.1842, The Practical Mechanic and Engineer's Magazine
2. A cup-like projection that terminates the pedicels of some hydroids.
   • It is, in our opinion, unfortunate that the term "hydrophore" has come into general use for this rudimentary form of hydrotheca.1907, Sydney John Hickson, Hydroid zoophytes, page 26
   • Thus if Phylactothcca is to be regarded as a valid genus, it can only be, on the basis of Billard's definition, if the hydrophores are definitely not of the typical Halecium-form.1938, Proceedings of the Royal Society of Victoria, page 314
3. (sculpture) A sculpture of a standing female figure carrying a water vessel on her head.
   • The hydrophore (VI), on the other hand, which is quite well preserved, was probably the work of an artist in Magna Graecia, as Mrs. Tölle-Kastenbein has suggested.1987, Literature, Music, Fine Arts, volume 21, page 182
   • Thusm the ridged eyebrows are very common; to mention only some examples: the Boston and Axos heads just mentioned, the "hydrophore" of the Olive Tree pediment and Zeus of the Introduction gable on the Acropolis, the 'Hera' head in Olympia (Fig. 9), Medusa and Chrysaor of the Corfu gable (Fig. 10)...1997, BABESCH, Bulletin Antieke Beschaving, number 72
4. A tank used to provide water pressure.
   • In the case of a hydrophore installation, each hydrophore always having two pumps, the tank invariably contains water under pressure, so that some time is available for repairs.1961, W.P.A. van Lammeren, Ships and Marine Engines: Practical shipbuilding, page 390
   • These days, a pressure tank (hydrophore) is usually used and the same pump that pumps water up from the well is also used to create pressure in the tank.2010, Maria Block, The Whole Building Handbook