What does barometrically mean?
Barometrically is a formal adverb meaning in relation to a barometer or atmospheric pressure, especially when measurement by a barometer is implied. It is typically used in technical and scientific contexts: a researcher might say that a quantity was determined barometrically, meaning that the determination depended on measuring atmospheric pressure or comparing readings from a barometer. The word is uncommon in everyday speech, where “by measuring the pressure” or “using a barometer” is usually clearer. Its formation is transparent: “barometric” combines with the adverbial suffix -ally, while the underlying vocabulary comes from Greek roots associated with atmospheric pressure and measurement. Barometrically therefore has a distinctly technical register and can suggest precision based on pressure readings, but it should not be used merely as a decorative substitute for “according to the barometer.”
adverbIn a manner involving a barometer or the measurement of atmospheric pressure; by means of barometric measurement.
- Using a barometer or relying on measurement of atmospheric pressure.
"The altitude was checked barometrically against the aircraft's reference instrument."
"The altitude was checked barometrically against the aircraft's reference instrument."
"Changes in the column height were recorded barometrically throughout the experiment."
Barometrically gives atmospheric pressure a measuring stick, joining the language of weather instruments to Greek words for 'weight' and 'measure'.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does barometrically come from?
The adverb was formed from barometric plus the suffix -ally. Barometric belongs to a family of words built from the Greek elements baros, meaning “weight” or “pressure,” and metron, meaning “measure”; the same roots also underlie barometer, barometry, and barograph.
How barometrically is actually used
Formal and chiefly technical. It is uncommon in everyday speech, where “using a barometer” or “by measuring the pressure” is usually clearer.