weather-glass

A sailor checks the weather-glass before setting sail.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • An instrument for measuring atmospheric pressure: "weather-glass" is a barometer, typically a simple device used to indicate changes in weather by showing the rise and fall of a liquid (such as mercury or alcohol) in a tube.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The old sailor checked his weather-glass before setting sail. (He looked at the barometer to predict if the weather would be fair or stormy.)
  • A falling weather-glass often signals approaching rain. (A drop in the barometer reading indicates likely precipitation.)

Advanced Usage

• "to consult the weather-glass": to refer to a barometer for weather prediction.
  • Farmers in the past would consult the weather-glass daily to plan their harvest. (They used the barometer as a guide for agricultural decisions.)

Variants and Related Words

• Weather (n): the state of the atmosphere at a particular time and place.

  • The weather today is sunny and warm. (The atmospheric conditions are pleasant.)

• Glass (n): a hard, brittle, transparent material; also a container made of this material, such as a drinking glass or a barometer tube.

  • He drank water from a glass. (He used a container made of glass.)

Synonyms

• Barometer: an instrument measuring atmospheric pressure, used in weather forecasting.
• Aneroid barometer: a type of barometer that does not use liquid, often a metal box with a flexible top.

Related Idioms

• A weather-glass for the soul: a metaphorical expression used to describe something that indicates emotional or spiritual changes.
  • Her diary was a weather-glass for her soul, recording every shift in mood. (Her journal reflected her inner feelings like a barometer reflects atmospheric pressure.)