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Barometer vs. Thermometer — What's the Difference?

Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 25, 2023
A barometer measures atmospheric pressure and is often used to predict weather changes. A thermometer measures temperature and can be used in various settings like weather stations, medical practices, and cooking.
Barometer vs. Thermometer — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Barometer and Thermometer

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Key Differences

A barometer is a device that measures atmospheric pressure. Atmospheric pressure is the weight of the air above us, which can change based on weather conditions. Understanding pressure variations can help in predicting weather patterns such as storms or fair weather. On the other hand, a thermometer is an instrument used for measuring temperature. It can be used to determine the temperature of various substances, ranging from the human body to the air outside.
While barometers are mostly used for meteorological purposes, thermometers have a wider range of applications. For instance, thermometers are used in medical diagnostics to measure body temperature, in cooking to gauge the temperature of food, and in scientific experiments to measure the temperature of various substances. Barometers, although primarily used for predicting weather, can also be found in some specialized industrial settings.
From a grammatical standpoint, both "barometer" and "thermometer" are singular nouns, with the plural forms being "barometers" and "thermometers," respectively. Both terms are derived from the Greek words for measure ('metron'), with "barometer" also incorporating the word for weight ('baros') and "thermometer" incorporating the word for heat ('thermos').
Both barometers and thermometers come in various types and styles. Barometers can be aneroid, employing a vacuum chamber, or mercury-based, which uses a column of mercury to indicate pressure. Thermometers can be digital, alcohol-based, or mercury-based. The choice between types often depends on the required level of accuracy and the specific application.

Comparison Chart

Measures

Atmospheric Pressure
Temperature
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Primary Use

Weather Prediction
Various (Medical, Cooking, etc.)

Plural Form

Barometers
Thermometers

Greek Origin

Baros (weight) + Metron (measure)
Thermos (heat) + Metron (measure)

Types

Aneroid, Mercury
Digital, Alcohol, Mercury

Compare with Definitions

Barometer

Barometers are used in weather forecasting.
The barometer is essential for any weather station.

Thermometer

A thermometer measures temperature.
I used a thermometer to check if I had a fever.

Barometer

Barometers can be aneroid or mercury-based.
My grandfather prefers using an aneroid barometer.

Thermometer

Thermometers come in digital and liquid forms.
I find digital thermometers easier to read.

Barometer

A barometer can predict weather changes.
The barometer is rising, which usually means fair weather.

Thermometer

Thermometers are used in cooking.
The meat thermometer showed that the chicken was fully cooked.

Barometer

Barometers have specialized industrial uses.
In aviation, a barometer is used to determine altitude.

Thermometer

Thermometers are used in scientific experiments.
The thermometer helped us maintain the substance at a constant temperature.

Barometer

A barometer measures atmospheric pressure.
The barometer showed a drop in pressure, indicating a storm.

Thermometer

Thermometers have medical applications.
The doctor used a thermometer to check for signs of infection.

Barometer

Something that registers or responds to fluctuations; an indicator
Opinion polls serve as a barometer of the public mood.

Thermometer

A thermometer is a device that measures temperature or a temperature gradient (the degree of hotness or coldness of an object). A thermometer has two important elements: (1) a temperature sensor (e.g.

Barometer

A barometer is a scientific instrument that is used to measure air pressure in a certain environment. Pressure tendency can forecast short term changes in the weather.

Thermometer

An instrument for measuring temperature, especially one having a graduated glass tube with a bulb containing a liquid, typically mercury or colored alcohol, that expands and rises in the tube as the temperature increases.

Barometer

An instrument measuring atmospheric pressure, used especially in forecasting the weather and determining altitude.

Thermometer

An apparatus used to measure temperature.

Barometer

An instrument for measuring atmospheric pressure, used especially in weather forecasting.

Thermometer

An instrument for measuring temperature, founded on the principle that changes of temperature in bodies are accompanied by proportional changes in their volumes or dimensions.

Barometer

An instrument for measuring atmospheric pressure.

Thermometer

Measuring instrument for measuring temperature

Barometer

Anything used as a gauge or indicator.

Barometer

An instrument for determining the weight or pressure of the atmosphere, and hence for judging of the probable changes of weather, or for ascertaining the height of any ascent.

Barometer

An instrument that measures atmospheric pressure

Common Curiosities

Can a thermometer be used in cooking?

Yes, thermometers are often used to gauge the temperature of food.

Are there different types of barometers?

Yes, there are mainly aneroid and mercury-based barometers.

Is a barometer used in weather forecasting?

Yes, barometers are commonly used to predict weather changes.

What does a barometer measure?

A barometer measures atmospheric pressure.

What does a thermometer measure?

A thermometer measures temperature.

What's the plural form of barometer?

The plural form is "barometers."

What's the plural form of thermometer?

The plural form is "thermometers."

Is the barometer derived from Greek words?

Yes, it comes from 'baros' meaning weight and 'metron' meaning measure.

What types of thermometers exist?

Thermometers can be digital, alcohol-based, or mercury-based.

Are digital thermometers accurate?

Digital thermometers are generally considered accurate for most applications.

What is the origin of the word thermometer?

It's derived from the Greek words 'thermos' for heat and 'metron' for measure.

Can barometers be used in industries other than meteorology?

Yes, they are also used in some specialized fields like aviation.

Are thermometers used in medicine?

Absolutely, they are commonly used to measure body temperature.

How accurate are barometers?

The accuracy can vary but is generally high for both aneroid and mercury types.

Can both barometers and thermometers be used at home?

Yes, both have versions designed for home use to measure weather conditions and temperature, respectively.

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Author Spotlight

Written by
Fiza Rafique
Fiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Tayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.

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