cistern barometer: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowTechnical / Historical
Quick answer
What does “cistern barometer” mean?
A barometer where atmospheric pressure is measured by the height of a column of mercury supported in a sealed glass tube whose lower end is submerged in a cistern (reservoir) of mercury.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A barometer where atmospheric pressure is measured by the height of a column of mercury supported in a sealed glass tube whose lower end is submerged in a cistern (reservoir) of mercury.
A specific, traditional type of mercury barometer, often found in historical, educational, or high-precision scientific contexts. It contrasts with the aneroid barometer or the Fortin barometer (which has an adjustable cistern).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The term is equally rare and technical in both varieties.
Connotations
Connotes historical scientific apparatus, 19th-century laboratories, or classic physics demonstrations.
Frequency
Extremely rare in everyday language. Used primarily in historical texts, antique descriptions, or specialized meteorology/physics contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “cistern barometer” in a Sentence
The [ADJECTIVE] cistern barometer [VERB]...A cistern barometer for [PURPOSE]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cistern barometer” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The cistern-barometer design is largely obsolete.
American English
- He restored a cistern-barometer mechanism.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in history of science, physics, or meteorology courses when discussing measurement history.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Used to specify the type of mercury barometer, distinguishing it from a Fortin or other design.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cistern barometer”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cistern barometer”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cistern barometer”
- Misspelling as 'cisterne barometer' or 'system barometer'. Confusing it with a general weather station instrument.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, a cistern barometer is a specific type of mercury barometer where the mercury reservoir is a fixed cistern.
It is named for the cistern (a small tank or reservoir) of mercury at the base of the instrument into which the glass tube is submerged.
Mostly in museums, antique shops, historical buildings, or as demonstration apparatus in physics classrooms.
Aneroid barometers (using a metal cell) and digital electronic barometers are now standard due to safety concerns with mercury and for portability.
A barometer where atmospheric pressure is measured by the height of a column of mercury supported in a sealed glass tube whose lower end is submerged in a cistern (reservoir) of mercury.
Cistern barometer is usually technical / historical in register.
Cistern barometer: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɪstən bəˈrɒmɪtə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɪstɚrn bəˈrɑːmɪtɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CISTERN (a tank) of mercury holding up a column to measure atmospheric pressure.
Conceptual Metaphor
PRESSURE IS A LIQUID COLUMN.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary distinguishing feature of a cistern barometer?