Definition

1. Noun:
   • Atmospheric pressure as indicated by a barometer: The force exerted by the weight of the atmosphere, measured using an instrument called a barometer. It is a key parameter in meteorology for weather forecasting.

Usage

• Barometric pressure is typically measured in units such as inches of mercury (inHg), millibars (mb), or hectopascals (hPa).
• It is used to describe the current state of atmospheric pressure, often in weather reports and scientific observations.
• High barometric pressure is generally associated with calm, clear weather, while low barometric pressure often indicates stormy or unsettled conditions.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• Mean sea-level pressure (MSLP): A standardized measure of barometric pressure adjusted to sea level, allowing for comparison between locations at different altitudes.
  • Weather maps show isobars connecting points of equal mean sea-level pressure.
• Barometric tendency (pressure tendency): The change in barometric pressure over a specific period, a critical factor in short-term weather prediction.
  • A falling barometric tendency over three hours often precedes precipitation.

Variants and Related Words

• Barometer (n): The instrument used to measure barometric pressure.
  • An aneroid barometer uses a small, flexible metal box to detect pressure changes.
• Barometric (adj): Relating to the measurement of atmospheric pressure.
  • The barometric reading was 1013 hPa.

Synonyms

• Atmospheric pressure: The general term for the pressure caused by the weight of air.
• Air pressure: A common synonym used in everyday and scientific contexts.

Related Phrases

• High-pressure system: An area where the barometric pressure is higher than the surrounding areas, associated with stable weather.
  • A high-pressure system is bringing sunny skies to the region.
• Low-pressure system: An area where the barometric pressure is lower than the surrounding areas, associated with clouds and precipitation.
  • The low-pressure system moving in from the coast will bring rain tomorrow.

Noun

1. atmospheric pressure as indicated by a barometer