barometer

[buh-rom-i-ter] /bəˈrɒm ɪ tər/
noun
1.
Meteorology. any instrument that measures atmospheric pressure.
Compare aneroid barometer, mercury barometer.
2.
anything that indicates changes.
Origin
1655-65; baro- + -meter
Related forms
barometric
[bar-uh-me-trik] /ˌbær əˈmɛ trɪk/ (Show IPA), barometrical, adjective
barometrically, adverb
Examples from the web for barometer
  • Further explain the tools by telling students that a barometer measures the pressure of the atmosphere.
  • Type of barometer used to report atmospheric pressure.
  • The direct reading from a barometer is the station pressure.
  • By definition, a barometer measures atmospheric pressures.
  • The instrument on the left is a mercurial barometer.
  • Radiosondes measure temperature with a thermometer, humidity with a hygrometer, and air pressure with a barometer.
  • He ducked below for a reading of the barometer.
  • He's invaluable on the set because he has a great barometer for what's not funny or not ringing true.
  • He was an arch-rebel in a rebellious generation, the intellectual barometer of a world of stormy speculation and great endeavour.
  • You've said that design is a barometer gauge of what's happening in our society.
British Dictionary definitions for barometer

barometer

/bəˈrɒmɪtə/
noun
1.
an instrument for measuring atmospheric pressure, usually to determine altitude or weather changes
2.
anything that shows change or impending change: the barometer of social change
Derived Forms
barometric (ˌbærəˈmɛtrɪk), barometrical, adjective
barometrically, adverb
barometry, noun
Word Origin and History for barometer
n.

1660s, from Greek baros "weight" (from barys "heavy;" see grave (adj.)) + -meter. Probably coined (and certainly popularized) by English scientist Robert Boyle (1627-1691).

barometer in Science
barometer
  (bə-rŏm'ĭ-tər)   
An instrument for measuring atmospheric pressure. Barometers are used in determining height above sea level and in forecasting the weather. The two primary types of barometers are the aneroid and the mercury barometer.
barometer in Culture

barometer definition


An instrument that measures atmospheric pressure.

Note: In general, when the barometer falls in response to a drop in pressure, bad weather is approaching; when the barometer rises because of an increase in pressure, good weather will follow.