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Meteorology. any instrument that measures atmospheric pressure.
Compare aneroid barometer, mercury barometer.
anything that indicates changes.
Contemporary Examples

And so, as I’ve explained, “party ID” is thus a barometer of how people are feeling about the two parties.
Romney and “Independents” Michael Tomasky October 31, 2012

If last night is any barometer, the naysayers will go empty.
The Vindication of LeBron James Buzz Bissinger May 31, 2011

If Fox News is any barometer, Gingrich has not been hammered on the channel where months ago he was a commentator.
Newt Gingrich Doubles Down in Defending Stance on Illegal Immigration Howard Kurtz November 23, 2011

Everett is about to turn 50, but age is not the barometer for political passion.
‘Awful Middle-Class Queens’ Kevin Sessums April 8, 2009

It’s a barometer of how seriously the whole article should be taken.
A Serious Look at Fayyad Hussein Ibish December 30, 2012

Historical Examples

Now let the instrument be immersed in a vessel of boiling water, the barometer at the time having the height of thirty inches.
The Steam Engine Explained and Illustrated (Seventh Edition) Dionysius Lardner

We are much in want of rain, and thought we should have had some, but the barometer is rising this evening.
Explorations in Australia John Forrest

Attraction is greatest where intensity is greatest, and there the barometer stands highest, and the diurnal range is least.
The Philosophy of the Weather Thomas Belden Butler

barometer 28.48; thermometer 68 degrees at half-past five o’clock.
Explorations in Australia John Forrest

Then he returned to the pilot-house, turned on the electric light once more, and glanced at the barometer.
With Airship and Submarine Harry Collingwood

noun
an instrument for measuring atmospheric pressure, usually to determine altitude or weather changes
anything that shows change or impending change: the barometer of social change
n.

1660s, from Greek baros “weight” (from barys “heavy;” see grave (adj.)) + -meter. Probably coined (and certainly popularized) by English scientist Robert Boyle (1627-1691).
barometer
(bə-rŏm’ĭ-tər)
An instrument for measuring atmospheric pressure. Barometers are used in determining height above sea level and in forecasting the weather. The two primary types of barometers are the aneroid and the mercury barometer.

An instrument that measures atmospheric pressure.

Note: In general, when the barometer falls in response to a drop in pressure, bad weather is approaching; when the barometer rises because of an increase in pressure, good weather will follow.