Spanish word

barómetro

Pronunciation

IPA/baˈɾometɾo/

Meaning

  • masculine nounindicator

Example

El precio de la vivienda es un barómetro de la economía.

Housing prices are an indicator of the economy.

Illustration for barómetro (indicator)

More examples

El barómetro de confianza del consumidor muestra una caída.

The consumer confidence barometer shows a decline.

Core concept

Round dial with a needle moving between low and high to show air pressure changes.

Common phrases

  • barómetro de precios

    price barometer

  • barómetro de opinión

    opinion barometer

  • barómetro de confianza

    confidence barometer

Similar words

indicador: Shows a measurable value or metric that reflects the state or change of something.
termómetro: Measures the intensity or mood of a situation, giving a quick sense of how strong it is.
señal: Signals that an event or change is occurring or is likely to occur.
índice: Expresses overall trend through a compiled numeric statistic or index value.

Definition in Spanish

Instrumento que mide la presión atmosférica y, por extensión, indicador que refleja cambios o tendencias en una situación.

Word origin

From Greek baros 'weight' and metron 'measure', via French baromètre into Spanish, this word names a device that measures atmospheric pressure and extends metaphorically to mean an indicator of trends.

Usage tips

  • Frequently used figuratively in news and conversation in the pattern 'ser/un barómetro de X' to say that X reflects broader change rather than a precise measurement.

Other meanings

  • barometernoun
  • yardsticknoun

Word lists with this word