aneroid barometer

noun

1. a device for measuring atmospheric pressure, often specially calibrated for use as an altimeter, consisting of a box or chamber partially exhausted of air, having an elastic top and a pointer to indicate the degree of compression of the top caused by the external air.

aneroid barometer

noun

1. a device for measuring atmospheric pressure without the use of fluids. It consists of a partially evacuated metal chamber, the thin corrugated lid of which is displaced by variations in the external air pressure. This displacement is magnified by levers and made to operate a pointer

aneroid barometer

/ ăn′ə-roid′ /

1. A barometer consisting of a thin elastic disk covering a chamber that contains a partial vacuum. High atmospheric pressure pushes against the disk and causes it to bulge inward, while low pressure does not push as hard, allowing the disk to bulge outward. An aneroid barometer is smaller and more portable than a mercury barometer and, when used with a barograph, can record up to a week's worth of data. Aneroid barometers are used extensively in aviation as part of altimeters.

Word History and Origins

Origin of aneroid barometer¹

First recorded in 1840–50

Example Sentences

It was three miles to the bottom of the gully, and the aneroid barometer registered one thousand one hundred and ninety feet.

From Project Gutenberg

From observations made on the summit with a single aneroid barometer, it was estimated to be about 14,500 feet high.

From Project Gutenberg

In most countries it must be done by reading feet on an aneroid barometer, set with zero of level scale to 30 ins.

From Project Gutenberg

As he took Mac's aneroid barometer out of his pocket, a sudden gust cut across his raw and bleeding cheek.

From Project Gutenberg

The principle of the aneroid barometer has been applied to the construction of barographs.

From Project Gutenberg