- Definition: A barometer is a scientific instrument used to measure atmospheric pressure. It’s essential for forecasting weather and determining altitude. The most common types of barometers are the mercury barometer and the aneroid barometer.
- Etymology and Origin: “Barometer” is derived from the Greek words “baros,” meaning “weight,” and “metron,” meaning “measure.” The term was coined in the early 17th century following the invention of the mercury barometer by Evangelista Torricelli, an Italian physicist and mathematician. It reflects the instrument’s function of measuring the ‘weight’ or pressure of the air.
Barometer: Measuring Atmospheric Pressure – Definition and Origin
