Overview
A thermometer is a useful aid used to measure body temperature. A thermometer is usually filled with mercury. Mercury in the tube rises when expanded by an increase in body temperature.
Review Date 1/23/2020
Updated by: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.