prognosticator

[prog-nos-ti-key-ter]

noun

1. a person who forecasts or predicts something future from present indications or signs; prophet.

   Maybe this faltering team can somehow defy the prognosticators and experts and make the playoffs.

2. something that is a sign or indicator of a coming event.

   The woolly bear caterpillars and other prognosticators of winter suggest we will have a more normal one this year.

Word History and Origins

Origin of prognosticator¹

First recorded in 1550–60; prognosticat(e) ( def. ) + -or ² ( def. )

Related Words

• prophet 
• seer 
• soothsayer