1) flowmeter 2) flow meter 3) rate-of-flow indicator 4) flow indicator an instrument which measures the flow of fluid (liquids or gases) GRM: n. (1,2,3,4) Note: sometimes the flowmeter is lowered through the flow stream in a borehole; sometimes it is set in one spot with a packer (1); it employs a ball, vane or other means inside a transparent cover, and motion of the ball or vane indicates that fluid is flowing through the pipeline (2)