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 barometric
  • He holds an altimeter, which provides preliminary readings of the distance below the surface by measuring barometric pressure.
  • Sudden and dramatic drops in barometric pressure are what produce the extremely high winds in tornadoes and hurricanes.
  • Opposite conditions-falling temperatures, decreasing moisture, and increasing barometric pressure-urge them south in the fall.
  • Tiny, ephemeral changes in temperature or barometric pressure can cause huge variations for which the models cannot account.
  • If you're interested, you can research the barometric formula for an example of how this works.
  • We have not always, however, in this effect of barometric pressure really great tidal rise and fall.
  • Manometry measures the barometric pressure inside the esophagus.
  • Rain and barometric pressure did not affect the findings.
  • Many of our best writers were doing the barometric thing that artists do.
  • But decreasing barometric pressure lowers the density of the air.
British Dictionary definitions for barometric

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 barometric
adj.

1802, from barometer + -ic. Barometrical is recorded from 1660s.

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).

barometric 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.
barometric 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.