microbar: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1-C2 / Very Rare / TechnicalHighly technical, scientific (specialist fields only)
Quick answer
What does “microbar” mean?
A unit of pressure equal to one millionth of a bar, or one dyne per square centimetre.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A unit of pressure equal to one millionth of a bar, or one dyne per square centimetre.
A term primarily used in meteorology, physics, and engineering to measure very small pressure differences or absolute pressure in scientific contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in usage. Both UK and US scientific communities predominantly use SI units (pascals). The term is equally rare in both variants.
Connotations
Neutral and purely technical in both regions. May connote older or specialized scientific literature.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language. Used almost exclusively in technical papers, older meteorological texts, or specific engineering contexts. Slightly more likely to appear in British historical scientific texts due to the early adoption of the bar in meteorology.
Grammar
How to Use “microbar” in a Sentence
[Number] + microbar(s) + of + pressurea pressure of + [Number] + microbar(s)measured/expressed in + microbarsVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “microbar” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The microbar pressure sensor was calibrated.
- They recorded microbar fluctuations during the experiment.
American English
- The microbar pressure gauge is highly sensitive.
- Microbar variations were detected by the array.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used rarely in specific physics, engineering, or meteorology papers, often historical or relating to instrument calibration.
Everyday
Never used.
Technical
Primary context. Used to specify very low sound pressure levels, atmospheric pressure fluctuations, or in calibrating sensitive barometers.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “microbar”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “microbar”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “microbar”
- Using it in non-scientific contexts.
- Misspelling as 'micro bar' (two words).
- Confusing it with 'millibar' (which is 1000 times larger).
- Incorrect pluralisation: 'microbar' -> 'microbars' (regular plural).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an extremely rare and highly technical term used only in specific scientific fields like meteorology and acoustics.
One microbar (1 μbar) is exactly equal to 0.1 pascals (0.1 Pa). The pascal is the standard SI unit for pressure.
No, 'microbar' is exclusively a noun (and can function attributively as an adjective, e.g., 'microbar pressure'). It has no verb form.
Its use is now largely historical or confined to specialized contexts where the 'bar' family of units (millibar, bar, microbar) was traditionally established, such as in some areas of acoustics or older meteorological data.
A unit of pressure equal to one millionth of a bar, or one dyne per square centimetre.
Microbar is usually highly technical, scientific (specialist fields only) in register.
Microbar: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmaɪkrə(ʊ)ˌbɑː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmaɪkroʊˌbɑːr/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “none”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a MICROphone picking up the tiniest sound PRESSURE (bar). A MICROBAR measures micro-scopic pressure changes.
Conceptual Metaphor
PRESSURE IS A MEASURABLE FORCE (literal only; no common metaphorical extensions).
Practice
Quiz
What is a microbar?