A digital thermometer is a medical device used to measure a person's body temperature. It provides a numerical readout of the temperature in degrees Fahrenheit (°F) or degrees Celsius (°C) on a digital display.

Digital thermometers use a temperature-sensitive sensor (typically a thermistor) to detect body heat. The sensor's resistance changes with temperature, and the device converts this resistance into a temperature reading, which is displayed digitally.

There are various types, including oral, ear (tympanic), forehead (temporal), and underarm (axillary) thermometers. Some are designed for specific age groups or situations, such as pediatric digital thermometers.

Digital thermometers are generally quite accurate, with most models having a margin of error within 0.1 to 0.2 degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit. Higher-quality thermometers tend to be more accurate.

The specific instructions may vary depending on the model, but in general, you place the sensor tip in the appropriate location (e.g., under the tongue, in the ear, or on the forehead), wait for the device to signal that it's finished, and then read the temperature from the display.