barometer

[buh-rom-i-ter]

noun

1. Meteorology.,  any instrument that measures atmospheric pressure.

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

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.

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.

Other Word Forms

• barometric adjective
• barometrical adjective
• barometrically adverb
• barometry noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of barometer¹

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

Example Sentences

The occasional cut to Yul Vazquez as the fire chief spearheading rescue efforts, however, is this movie’s barometer of increasingly bad news.

From Los Angeles Times

The fighters participated in news conferences during the week that served as a barometer for the atmosphere in Las Vegas, where Álvarez is expected to draw a rowdy crowd during Mexican Independence Day weekend.

From Los Angeles Times

What is your barometer for how well you perform on Sunday night?

From Los Angeles Times

As the nation’s highest-producing oil and gas state, Texas is a key barometer of the U.S. regulatory environment and whether it has created a cleaner fossil fuel industry.

From Salon

In a healthy democracy, public opinion can be understood as a type of barometer that elected officials use to calibrate their agendas and behaviors.

From Salon