| 1. | Meteorology. any instrument that measures atmospheric pressure. Compare aneroid barometer, mercury barometer. |
| 2. | anything that indicates changes. |
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.
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
barometer
| barometer (bə-rŏm'ĭ-tər) Pronunciation Key
An instrument for measuring atmospheric pressure. Barometers are used in determining height above sea level and in forecasting the weather. The two primary types of barometers are the aneroid and the mercury barometer. |