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An external micrometer is typically used to measure wires, spheres, shafts and blocks.
An internal micrometer is used to measure the opening of holes, and a depth micrometer typically to measure depths of slots and steps.
The precision of a micrometer is achieved by a mechanical advantage of a fine pitch screw mechanism.
The first ever micrometer was invented by William Gascoigne in the 17th century. It was used in a telescope to measure angular distances between stars.
Micrometer is also the U.S. spelling of micrometre, a millionth of a metre or meter. This word is pronounced with stress on the first syllable, while the name of the measuring device is stressed on the second.
Measuring instruments