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

Nvidia’s quarterly earnings next week will provide a key barometer for whether the AI trade has room to run.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The state’s complex barometer of college and career readiness rated 51.7% of graduates as meeting the standard.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

According to the report, a gauge of consumers’ views on current conditions tumbled to 52.3 in November from 58.6 in the prior month, while a barometer of their expectations fell to 49 from 50.3.

Read more on MarketWatch

According to the report, a gauge of consumers’ views on current conditions tumbled to 52.3 in November from 58.6 in the prior month, while a barometer of their expectations fell to 49 from 50.3.

Read more on MarketWatch

Taking last season - the first to utilise the league phase format - as a barometer for what is needed to finish in the top eight, then around 16 points from the eight games should be sufficient.

Read more on BBC