Vol`u*me*nom"e*ter (?), n. [L. volumen volume + -meter.] (Physics) An
instrument for measuring the volume of a body, especially a solid, by
means of the difference in tension caused by its presence and absence
in a confined portion of air.
Vol`u*me*nom"e*try (?), n. (Chem. & Physics) The method or process of
measuring volumes by means of the volumenometer.
Vo*lu"me*scope (?), n. [Volume + - scope.] (Physics) An instrument
consisting essentially of a glass tube provided with a graduated scale,
for exhibiting to the eye the changes of volume of a gas or gaseous
mixture resulting from chemical action, and the like.
Vo*lu"me*ter (?), n. [Cf. F. volumètre. See Volumetric.] (Physics) An
instrument for measuring the volumes of gases or liquids by introducing
them into a vessel of known capacity.
Vol`u*met"ric (?), a. [Volume + - metric.] Of or pertaining to the
measurement of volume.
Volumetric analysis (Chem.), that system of the quantitative analysis
of solutions which employs definite volumes of standardized solutions
of reagents, as measured by burettes, pipettes, etc.; also, the
analysis of gases by volume, as by the eudiometer.
Vol`u*met"ric*al (?), a. Volumetric. — Vol`u*met"ric*al*ly, adv.
Vo*lu"mi*nous (?), a. [L. voluminosus: cf. F. volumineux.] Of or
pertaining to volume or volumes. Specifically: —
(a) Consisting of many folds, coils, or convolutions.
But ended foul in many a scaly fold, Voluminous and vast.
Milton.
Over which dusky draperies are hanging, and voluminous curtains have
long since fallen.
De Quincey.
(b) Of great volume, or bulk; large. B. Jonson.
(c) Consisting of many volumes or books; as, the collections of
Muratori are voluminous.
(d) Having written much, or produced many volumes; copious; diffuse;
as, a voluminous writer.
— Vo*lu"mi*nous*ly, adv. — Vo*lu"mi*nous*ness, n.
Vol"u*mist (?), n. One who writes a volume; an author. [Obs.] Milton.
Vol"un*ta*ri*ly (?), adv. In a voluntary manner; of one's own will;
spontaneously.
Vol"un*ta*ri*ness, n. The quality or state of being voluntary;
spontaneousness; specifically, the quality or state of being free in
the exercise of one's will.
Vol"un*ta*ry (?), a. [L. voluntarius, fr. voluntas will, choice, from
the root of velle to will, p. pr. volens; akin to E. will: cf. F.
volontaire, Of. also voluntaire. See Will, v. t., and cf. Benevolent,
Volition, Volunteer.] 1. Proceeding from the will; produced in or by an
act of choice.
That sin or guilt pertains exclusively to voluntary action is the true
principle of orthodoxy.
N. W. Taylor.
2. Unconstrained by the interference of another; unimpelled by the
influence of another; not prompted or persuaded by another; done of his
or its own accord; spontaneous; acting of one's self, or of itself;
free.
Our voluntary service he requires.
Milton.
She fell to lust a voluntary prey.
Pope.
3. Done by design or intention; intentional; purposed; intended; not
accidental; as, if a man kills another by lopping a tree, it is not
voluntary manslaughter.
4. (Physiol.) Of or pertaining to the will; subject to, or regulated
by, the will; as, the voluntary motions of an animal, such as the
movements of the leg or arm (in distinction from involuntary motions,
such as the movements of the heart); the voluntary muscle fibers, which
are the agents in voluntary motion.