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 calledblinker 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 calleddial 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 calledindicator 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

/ ĭn′dĭ-kā′tər /

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

Consequently, they found that PKA activation decreased sleep duration and delta power, and indicator of sleep needs.

From Science Daily

Consumer spending during Cyber Week — the five days between Thanksgiving and the Monday after — is a good indicator of what retailers can expect going into the holiday season.

From Salon

The UFC is seen as the golden standard in MMA and victory over a former title challenger in the promotion in Santos, is a big indicator she would be at home there.

From BBC

Exit polls are far from an exact science, but they are a good indicator of where the votes go.

From BBC

Big-box retailers prepare for months for the day after Thanksgiving, which for many marks the start of the holiday shopping season and serves as an indicator of consumer confidence.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• barometer
• gauge
• index
• signal
• symbol