What is "meat thermometer"

n. a thermometer that is inserted into the center of a roast (with the top away from the heat source); used to measure how well done the meat is

thumb|A meat thermometer with a dial. Notice the markings for each type of meat

A meat thermometer or cooking thermometer is a thermometer used to measure the internal temperature of meat, especially roasts and steaks, and other cooked foods. The degree of "doneness" of meat or bread correlates closely with the internal temperature, so that a thermometer reading indicates when it is cooked as desired. When cooking, food should always be cooked so that the interior reaches a temperature sufficient, that in the case of meat is enough to kill pathogens that may cause foodborne illness or, in the case of bread, that is done baking; the thermometer helps to ensure this.