barometer

Everyday

1. A barometer is an instrument that measures air pressure, used to help forecast the weather. tree →
2. A barometer is also anything that shows how things are changing, like a sign of what people think. tree →

In the lessons

In science and geography weather lessons, a barometer shows if air pressure is rising (often fine weather) or falling (often clouds, rain or storms). Weather stations use barometers with thermometers, rain gauges and wind vanes. Units of air pressure include millibars and hectopascals. Phrases: «the barometer is falling», «a barometer of».

Examples

• The barometer is falling, so it might rain. tree →
• We made a simple barometer from a jar and a balloon. tree →
• A barometer measures air pressure. tree →
• Grandpa taps the old barometer on the wall each morning. tree →
• High pressure on the barometer usually means sunny weather. tree →
• The weather station has a barometer and a thermometer. tree →
• Sales of ice cream are a barometer of the weather. tree →
• Read the barometer and write down the pressure. tree →

Note

Countable: a barometer, barometers. Spelling: baro + meter («baro» means weight or pressure; «meter» means measure). Do not confuse with a thermometer (temperature) or an anemometer (wind speed).