Barometer

barometer

noun ba-ro-MAY-ter Rare

Origin: from Greek baros (weight) + metron (measure)

Also means

indicator of trends (figurative)

Usage Note

Barometer measures atmospheric pressure and is used both literally in weather observation and figuratively — das Barometer der Stimmung (the barometer of mood). A falling barometer signals approaching bad weather (Tief), while a rising one signals improvement.

Examples

"Das Barometer fiel rapide, und tatsächlich zog am nächsten Tag ein Sturm auf."

Natural Translation

The barometer dropped rapidly, and indeed a storm came the next day.

Literal Translation

The barometer fell rapidly, and indeed the next day a storm drew up.

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