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barometer

 - 6 dictionary results

ba⋅rom⋅e⋅ter

[buh-rom-i-ter]
–noun
1. Meteorology. any instrument that measures atmospheric pressure. Compare aneroid barometer, mercury barometer.
2. anything that indicates changes.

Origin:
1655–65; baro- + -meter


bar⋅o⋅met⋅ric [bar-uh-me-trik] , bar⋅o⋅met⋅ri⋅cal, adjective
bar⋅o⋅met⋅ri⋅cal⋅ly, adverb
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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ba·rom·e·ter   (bə-rŏm'ĭ-tər)   
n.  
  1. An instrument for measuring atmospheric pressure, used especially in weather forecasting.

  2. Something that registers or responds to fluctuations; an indicator: Opinion polls serve as a barometer of the public mood.

bar'o·met'ric (bār'ə-mět'rĭk), bar'o·met'ri·cal adj., bar'o·met'ri·cal·ly adv., ba·rom'e·try n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Cultural Dictionary

barometer

An instrument that measures atmospheric pressure.

Note: In general, when the barometer falls in response to a drop in pressure, bad weather is approaching; when the barometer rises because of an increase in pressure, good weather will follow.
The American Heritage® New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

barometer 
1665, from Gk. baros "weight" + metron "measure" (see meter (2)). Probably coined (and certainly popularized) by English scientist Robert Boyle (1627-1691).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Financial Dictionary

Barometer

An investment instrument whose movements forecast trends.

Investopedia Commentary

For example, a barometer stock has a price trend that is indicative of the market. And, the stock market as a whole is said to be a barometer because it can be used to forecast the growth or slowdown in the economy.

Related Links

Economic Indicators to Know
Cyclical Versus Non-Cyclical Stocks

See also: Bellwether, Coincident Indicator, Cyclical Stock, Indicator, January Barometer, Leading Indicator, Trend

Investopedia.com. Copyright © 1999-2005 - All rights reserved. Owned and Operated by Investopedia Inc.
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Financial Dictionary

barometer

An indicator of fluctuations. For example, the S&P 500 is a barometer for stock market movements. Likewise, long-term interest rates are a barometer of inflationary expectations.

Wall Street Words: An A to Z Guide to Investment Terms by David L. Scott.
Copyright © 2003. Published by Houghton Mifflin.
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