barometer

[ buh-rom-i-ter ]
/ bəˈrɒm ɪ tər /

noun

Meteorology. any instrument that measures atmospheric pressure. Compare aneroid barometer, mercury barometer.
anything that indicates changes.

Origin of barometer

First recorded in 1655–65; baro- + -meter

OTHER WORDS FROM barometer

bar·o·met·ric [bar-uh-me-trik] /ˌbær əˈmɛ trɪk/, bar·o·met·ri·cal, adjective bar·o·met·ri·cal·ly, adverb

Example sentences from the Web for barometer

British Dictionary definitions for barometer

barometer
/ (bəˈrɒmɪtə) /

noun

an instrument for measuring atmospheric pressure, usually to determine altitude or weather changes
anything that shows change or impending change the barometer of social change

Derived forms of barometer

barometric (ˌbærəˈmɛtrɪk) or barometrical, adjective barometrically, adverb barometry, noun

Scientific definitions for barometer

barometer
[ bə-rŏmĭ-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.

Cultural definitions for barometer

barometer

An instrument that measures atmospheric pressure.

notes for barometer

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.