aneroid barometer: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low-frequencyTechnical / Scientific
Quick answer
What does “aneroid barometer” mean?
A portable barometer that measures atmospheric pressure using a sealed, partially evacuated metal chamber that flexes with pressure changes, moving a pointer on a dial, without using liquid.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A portable barometer that measures atmospheric pressure using a sealed, partially evacuated metal chamber that flexes with pressure changes, moving a pointer on a dial, without using liquid.
An instrument for predicting weather changes or measuring altitude indirectly by detecting variations in air pressure, typically characterized by its compact, non-liquid mechanism. Its design allows for wall mounting and use in transportation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling is consistent.
Connotations
In both varieties, it connotes a specific, often older or more traditional type of scientific instrument. It may evoke imagery of ships, mountaineering, or vintage weather forecasting.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both dialects. The simpler term 'barometer' is vastly more common.
Grammar
How to Use “aneroid barometer” in a Sentence
The [ADJ] aneroid barometer [VERBed] [ADV]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “aneroid barometer” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The mountaineers needed to aneroid-barometer the altitude, but their device malfunctioned.
American English
- He attempted to aneroid-barometer the pressure change, using his grandfather's old kit.
adjective
British English
- The aneroid-barometer reading was crucial for the flight plan.
American English
- They relied on aneroid-barometer data from the weather station.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in specialized industries like aviation instrumentation or antique dealing.
Academic
Used in meteorology, physics, and history of science contexts to distinguish from liquid-based barometers.
Everyday
Very rare. Most people would simply say 'barometer'.
Technical
The precise term for this type of barometer in engineering, aviation (as part of an altimeter), and meteorology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “aneroid barometer”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “aneroid barometer”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “aneroid barometer”
- Mispronouncing 'aneroid' as /ˈæn.ər.ɔɪd/ (stress on first syllable). Correct stress is on the third syllable: /ˌæn.ə.ˈrɔɪd/.
- Using it as a general synonym for 'barometer' instead of specifying the non-liquid type.
- Misspelling as 'anaroid' or 'aneriod'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It comes from Greek 'a-' (without) + 'neros' (wet/fluid), meaning 'not containing liquid'.
For most practical purposes, yes, though mercury barometers are often considered the absolute standard for precision laboratory work due to the direct physical principle.
In decorative form as antique wall pieces, integrated into some wristwatches as an altimeter/barometer function, and as the pressure-sensing component in aircraft altimeters and home weather stations.
Indirectly, yes. Since atmospheric pressure decreases with altitude, a barometer calibrated for this purpose is called an altimeter. Most modern altimeters are aneroid mechanisms.
A portable barometer that measures atmospheric pressure using a sealed, partially evacuated metal chamber that flexes with pressure changes, moving a pointer on a dial, without using liquid.
Aneroid barometer is usually technical / scientific in register.
Aneroid barometer: in British English it is pronounced /ˌæn.ə.rɔɪd bəˈrɒm.ɪ.tər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌæn.ə.rɔɪd bəˈrɑː.mə.t̬ɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'A-NEROID' = 'A' (without) 'NERO' (like Nero, but think 'water' from Greek 'neros') + 'ID'. So, 'without water/liquid' barometer.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE ATMOSPHERE IS A WEIGHT (pressing on the box); PRESSURE IS PHYSICAL FORCE (bending the metal).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary advantage of an aneroid barometer over a mercurial one?