/boor"dn toohb', -tyoohb', bawr"-, bohr"-, boor dawonn"-/ , Chem.
an instrument for measuring the pressure of gases or liquids, consisting of a semicircular or coiled, flexible metal tube attached to a gauge that records the degree to which the tube is straightened by the pressure of the gas or liquid inside.
[ 1900-05; named after E. Bourdon, 19th-century French inventor ]