Definition of pedometer

The word "pedometer" can be traced back to the mid-19th century when the first devices that could measure distance traveled by walking or hiking were invented. The word comes from a combination of two Greek words: "pedon," meaning "stepped upon or foot," and "metron," meaning "measure." In Greek, the word for "foot" was "pedos," but "pedon" refers to the action of stepping, as in "stepped upon." The first pedometers were quite primitive, consisting of a horizontal rod with a weight at each end. The weight would swing as the device was carried, and the number of swings could be counted to determine the distance traveled. However, these devices were not very accurate and were not widely used. In 1862, a Scottish surgeon named John Arnold created a more sophisticated pedometer. His device, which he named the "saunterometer," could record the number of steps taken and the total distance traveled with a fair amount of accuracy. The word "pedometer" became commonly used in the late 19th century as these devices gained in popularity, especially among walkers and hikers who wanted to track their progress. By the early 20th century, pedometers had become somewhat standard equipment for serious walkers and hikers, and today they are widely available from a variety of manufacturers and come in many different designs, including digital models that record steps, distance, and calories burned. Overall, the word "pedometer" is a straightforward combination of Greek roots that accurately describe the function of these useful devices, and it continues to be widely used today to refer to any device that can accurately measure the distance traveled by walking or hiking.