indicator

[in-di-key-ter]

noun

1. a person or thing that indicates, signals, or points out.

2. a pointing or directing mechanism, as a pointer on the dial of an instrument to show pressure, temperature, speed, volume, etc., or a moveable icon in the graphical user interface of a computer or other device: Move the indicator to the edge of the browser and drag to resize the window.

   The fuel indicator was pointing to empty.

   Move the indicator to the edge of the browser and drag to resize the window.

3. an instrument that indicates the condition of a machine or the like.

4. an instrument for measuring and recording variations of pressure in the cylinder of an engine.

5. Chemistry.

   1. a substance, as litmus, that indicates the presence or concentration of a certain constituent.

   2. a substance often used in a titration to indicate the point at which the reaction is complete.

6. Ecology.,  a plant, animal, or species that indicates, by its presence in a given area, the existence of certain environmental conditions.

indicator

/ ˈɪndɪˌkeɪtə /

noun

1. something that provides an indication, esp of trends See economic indicator

2. a device to attract attention, such as the pointer of a gauge or a warning lamp

3. an instrument that displays certain operating conditions in a machine, such as a gauge showing temperature, speed, pressure, etc

4. 1. a device that records or registers something, such as the movements of a lift, or that shows information, such as arrival and departure times of trains

   2. ( as modifier )

      indicator light

5. Also called: blinker. a device for indicating that a motor vehicle is about to turn left or right, esp two pairs of lights that flash when operated or a pair of trafficators

6. Also called: dial gauge. a delicate measuring instrument used to determine small differences in the height of mechanical components. It consists of a spring-loaded plunger that operates a pointer moving over a circular scale

7. chem

   1. a substance used in titrations to indicate the completion of a chemical reaction, usually by a change of colour

   2. a substance, such as litmus, that indicates the presence of an acid or alkali

8. Also called: indicator species. ecology

   1. a plant or animal species that thrives only under particular environmental conditions and therefore indicates these conditions where it is found

   2. a species of plant or animal whose well-being confirms the well-being of other species in the area

indicator

1. A chemical compound that changes color and structure when exposed to certain conditions and is therefore useful for chemical tests. Litmus, for example, is an indicator that becomes red in the presence of acids and blue in the presence of bases.

Word History and Origins

Origin of indicator¹

First recorded in 1660–70; from Late Latin indicātor, equivalent to Latin indicā(re) “to make known, point out” + -tor; indicate, -tor

Example Sentences

All participants received four weeks of antipsychotic treatment, after which researchers assessed various mental health indicators.

Read more on Science Daily

“Some of the indicators are flashing yellow at this point,” Raymond James analyst Michael Rose said, citing upticks in consumer delinquencies and corporate bankruptcies.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The health of the labor market remains a key indicator of how the sector will perform, Stucky said.

Read more on MarketWatch

These layers of ice, compacted over centuries, perhaps millennia, form an archive of climate indicators, yielding data on past snowfall, temperatures, atmosphere and dust.

Read more on Barron's

The name and affiliation of each economist, as well as their latest indicator forecasts, is included in the spreadsheet available with each survey.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• barometer 
• gauge 
• index 
• signal 
• symbol