The word "aneroid barometer" is a bit tricky when it comes to spelling. The first part of the word, "aneroid," is pronounced [ænərɔɪd]. The second part, "barometer," is easier, pronounced [bəˈrɒmɪtə]. But why is "aneroid" spelled with an "e" instead of an "a"? This is because the word comes from the Greek word "an-" meaning "without" and "aer" meaning "air." Therefore, the "e" in "aneroid" represents the "o" in "aer."
An aneroid barometer is a weather instrument used to measure atmospheric pressure without the use of a liquid. It consists of a hollow, metal, airtight chamber, commonly made of brass or an alloy, that is partially evacuated of air. This chamber is called an aneroid cell. The aneroid cell is highly responsive to changes in external air pressure, expanding or contracting with variations in atmospheric pressure.
The movement of the aneroid cell is mechanically translated into movement of a pointer on a dial, indicating the pressure reading. The dial is typically graduated in units of pressure, such as millibars or inches of mercury.
Aneroid barometers are widely used in meteorology and are commonly found in homes, offices, and weather stations. They provide a visual indication of air pressure, allowing individuals to monitor changes in atmospheric conditions. By observing the rise or fall in the position of the pointer on the dial, one can anticipate changes in the weather or detect variations associated with altitude.
Compared to traditional mercury barometers, aneroid barometers offer advantages such as portability, durability, and safety due to the absence of toxic and hazardous materials. They provide a convenient and accurate means of measuring atmospheric pressure, aiding in predicting weather patterns and monitoring atmospheric changes.
See aneroid.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "aneroid" has its roots in Greek. It is derived from the Greek words "a-" meaning "without" or "not", and "néros" meaning "wet" or "liquid". The term "aneroid" was coined in the mid-19th century to describe a type of barometer that does not rely on liquid, in contrast to traditional mercury barometers. The word "barometer", on the other hand, comes from the Greek words "baros" meaning "weight" and "metron" meaning "measure". So, "aneroid barometer" can be understood as a weightless or liquidless measuring device, which accurately describes this type of barometer that measures atmospheric pressure using a mechanical mechanism rather than liquid.