Baroscope

/ˈbærəskoʊp/ noun

Definition

An instrument that measures atmospheric pressure changes and can predict weather changes, similar to a barometer.

Etymology

From Greek baros (weight, pressure) + -scope (an instrument for viewing or examining). This 17th-century scientific instrument was designed to help people forecast weather by observing pressure variations.

Kelly Says

Before modern weather forecasting, people relied on baroscopes to literally watch the air's weight change—high pressure meant good weather was coming, low pressure meant storms, all without electricity.

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