barometer

Definition

An instrument that measures atmospheric pressure, used to predict weather changes and determine altitude. A barometer typically uses mercury or an aneroid mechanism to detect pressure fluctuations, with rising pressure indicating improving weather and falling pressure suggesting deteriorating conditions.

Example Usage

The barometer on the wall dropped suddenly, warning us that a storm was approaching.

Origin

From Greek 'baros' (weight) and 'metron' (measure), coined in the 17th century after Torricelli's invention of the mercury barometer.

Fun Fact

The first practical barometer was invented by Evangelista Torricelli in 1643, and high-altitude mountaineers still rely on barometric readings to assess weather risk.

Source: Definition backfill (hailey)

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