Definitions for: Barometer


[n] an instrument that measures atmospheric pressure



Webster (1913) Definition: Ba*rom"e*ter, n. [Gr. ? weight + -meter: cf. F.
barom[`e]tre.]
An instrument for determining the weight or pressure of the
atmosphere, and hence for judging of the probable changes of
weather, or for ascertaining the height of any ascent.

Note: The barometer was invented by Torricelli at Florence
about 1643. It is made in its simplest form by filling
a graduated glass tube about 34 inches long with
mercury and inverting it in a cup containing mercury.
The column of mercury in the tube descends until
balanced by the weight of the atmosphere, and its rise
or fall under varying conditions is a measure of the
change in the atmospheric pressure. At the sea level
its ordinary height is about 30 inches (760
millimeters). See Sympiesometer. --Nichol.

Aneroid barometer. See Aneroid barometer, under
Aneroid.

Marine barometer, a barometer with tube contracted at
bottom to prevent rapid oscillations of the mercury, and
suspended in gimbals from an arm or support on shipboard.


Mountain barometer, a portable mercurial barometer with
tripod support, and long scale, for measuring heights.

Siphon barometer, a barometer having a tube bent like a
hook with the longer leg closed at the top. The height of
the mercury in the longer leg shows the pressure of the
atmosphere.

Wheel barometer, a barometer with recurved tube, and a
float, from which a cord passes over a pulley and moves an
index.

See Also: aneroid, aneroid barometer, barograph, measuring device, measuring instrument, measuring system, mercury barometer, weatherglass

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