barometric pressure

noun

|Updated on: 9 Jun 2018

Definition of barometric pressure

: the pressure of the atmosphere usually expressed in terms of the height of a column of mercury

See barometric pressure defined for kids

Recent Examples of barometric pressure from the Web

Those that live in water face damage from waves, silt and sand (though sharks, like birds, sense changes in barometric pressure and evacuate).

— anna diamond, Smithsonian, "How Come U.S. Currency Never Changes Its Face and More Questions From Our Readers," 25 May 2018
There are numerous weather instruments available that provide continuous readings of barometric pressure, temperature, humidity and dew point, rainfall and wind.

— tom skilling, chicagotribune.com, "Ask Tom: What's a great gift for weather lover?," 15 May 2018
The odor has been particularly strong when the barometric pressure is low.

— jesse leavenworth, Courant Community, "Work At Manchester Dump Meant To Curb Stink," 11 May 2018
So what gives? Electrified Dropping barometric pressure—which dogs can sense—coupled with darkening skies, wind, and the sheer noise of thunder can cause fearful reactions in dogs.

— National Geographic, "Why Your Dog Freaks Out During Thunderstorms—And What to Do," 28 Apr. 2018
The storm rapidly strengthened from early Monday to early Tuesday and underwent bombogenesis — caused when plunging barometric pressure deeply intensifies a storm, AccuWeather said.

— john bacon, USA TODAY, "'Whiteout': Third brutal winter storm blasts New England," 13 Mar. 2018
That change in barometric pressure might be a trigger to start labor.

— margeaux sippell, BostonGlobe.com, "Can nor’easters induce labor?," 21 Mar. 2018
One expert, Elaine Husni, director of Cleveland Clinic’s Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Center, explains the effects of barometric pressure and why these aches and pains could be telling.

— heidi mitchell, WSJ, "Can Achy Joints Predict the Weather?," 19 Mar. 2018
Dear Tom, Last week, WGN-TV meteorologist Demetrius Ivory stated that during the big nor'easter, the storm's central barometric pressure dropped 24 millibars in 24 hours.

— tom skilling, chicagotribune.com, "Ask Tom: What happens when central barometric pressure drops 24 millibars in 24 hours?," 8 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'barometric pressure.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.