I. bəˈräməd.ə(r), -ətə- noun
( -s )
Etymology: bar- + -meter
1. : an instrument for determining the pressure of the atmosphere and hence for assisting in judgment as to probable weather changes and for determining the height of an ascent — see aneroid barometer , cup barometer , siphon barometer
2. : something that serves to register accurately changes in fluctuating activity or state (as in public opinion)
retail sales, perhaps the most sensitive barometer of general prosperity — Time
II. noun
: standard : test
a barometer to measure high school talent — Jeff Fellenzer