isobar

noun

iso·​bar ˈī-sə-ˌbär 

1

: an imaginary line or a line on a map or chart connecting or marking places of equal barometric pressure

2

: one of two or more atoms or elements having the same atomic weights or mass numbers but different atomic numbers

Illustration of isobar

• isobar 1

Examples of isobar in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Trying to predict the unpredictable is why meteorologists often wind up at the isobar after work. — Star Tribune, 15 July 2021

But the local pressure gradient was most intense along the New England coast, where isobars were extremely crowded together, driving 40 to 50 mph sustained winds. — Jeff Halverson, Washington Post, 5 Mar. 2018

Dear Tom, What determines how isobars are drawn on weather maps? — Tom Skilling, chicagotribune.com, 13 May 2017

Word History

Etymology

probably borrowed from Greek isobarḗs "of equal weight," from iso- iso- + -barēs, adjective derivative of báros "weight, pressure"

First Known Use

circa 1864, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for isobar

• abattoir
• alcazar
• autocar
• avatar
• belshazzar
• caviar
• caviare
• cinnabar
• commissar
• condylar
• deodar
• handlebar

Kids Definition

isobar

noun

iso·​bar ˈī-sə-ˌbär 

: a line drawn on a map to indicate areas having the same atmospheric pressure at a given time or for a given period

isobaric

ˌī-sə-ˈbär-ik, 

-ˈbar-

adjective

Medical Definition

isobar

noun

iso·​bar ˈī-sə-ˌbär 

: one of two or more atoms or elements having the same atomic weights or mass numbers but different atomic numbers