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barometer

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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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Science Dictionary
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.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2002. Published by Houghton Mifflin. All rights reserved.
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