barometer

[ buh-rom-i-ter ]

noun

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

barometer

/ ˌbærəˈmɛtrɪk; 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

barometer

/ bə-rŏm′ĭ-tər /

1. 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

1. An instrument that measures atmospheric pressure .

Notes

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.

Derived Forms

• baˈrometry, noun
• barometric, adjective
• ˌbaroˈmetrically, adverb

Other Word Forms

• bar·o·met·ric [bar-, uh, -, me, -trik], baro·metri·cal adjective
• baro·metri·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of barometer¹

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

Example Sentences

But these elections matter too, rightly or wrongly, as a national barometer.

From BBC

Copper and oil prices are considered barometers of global economic health.

From BBC

“I think that both teams like to use each other as a barometer, or a benchmark,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said.

From Los Angeles Times

Throughout the contentious tariff debate, the Mexican peso has remained relatively stable at about 20 pesos to $1, a fact that many view as a positive barometer of the government’s strategy.

From Los Angeles Times

Win or lose, the race also could serve as a barometer of voters' motivation as Trump begins his second term – and offer hints at the political landscape ahead of next year's mid-term congressional elections.

From BBC