Definition

1. Noun:
   • An instrument that measures atmospheric pressure: A barometer is a scientific device used to gauge the pressure exerted by the atmosphere. This measurement is crucial for weather forecasting, as changes in atmospheric pressure often indicate changes in weather conditions.

Usage

• The primary use of the word "barometer" is as a noun referring to the physical instrument.
• It can also be used metaphorically to describe something that serves as an indicator or gauge of changes, trends, or conditions in a particular area (e.g., the economy, public opinion).

Examples

• Literal Usage:
  • The meteorologist checked the barometer to predict the approaching storm.
  • A falling barometer often signals that rainy weather is on the way.
• Metaphorical Usage:
  • Consumer confidence is a reliable barometer of the nation's economic health.
  • Election results can act as a barometer of public opinion.

Advanced Usage

• "A barometer of something": A standard or indicator by which something is measured or judged.
  • The stock market is often seen as a barometer of investor sentiment.
• "Political barometer": Something that measures the state or changes in political climate.
  • The recent policy debate served as a political barometer for the party's internal divisions.

Variants and Related Words

• Barometric (adj): Relating to atmospheric pressure or measured by a barometer.
  • Barometric pressure dropped rapidly before the hurricane.
• Barography (n): The process of recording atmospheric pressure.
• Barograph (n): A barometer that automatically records its readings on a chart.

Synonyms

• Gauge: An instrument or device for measuring the magnitude, amount, or contents of something.
• Indicator: A thing that indicates the state or level of something.
• Measure: A standard unit used to express the size, amount, or degree of something.

Idioms and Phrases

• "A barometer of success": Something used to measure or indicate the level of success.
  • For many startups, user growth is the primary barometer of success.
• "To read the barometer": To interpret signs or indicators to understand a situation.
  • Politicians must learn to read the barometer of public discontent.

Noun

1. an instrument that measures atmospheric pressure