1 isobar | Definition of isobar

isobar

noun
iso·​bar | \ ˈī-sÉ™-ËŒbär How to pronounce isobar (audio) \

Definition of isobar

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

Illustration of isobar

isobar 1

Examples of isobar in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

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, "A mighty wind: Behind one of Washington’s worst-ever winter wind storms," 5 Mar. 2018 The next image shows the incredible pressure gradient (change in pressure over distance, revealed by contour lines called isobars). Jeff Halverson, Washington Post, "A mighty wind: Behind one of Washington’s worst-ever winter wind storms," 5 Mar. 2018 From the two figures above, note that the isobars became spread apart and fewer in number (the signature of weakening) and the eyewall’s intense ring of rain diminished significantly. Jeff Halverson, Washington Post, "Harvey’s two-step across Texas: The peculiar meteorology behind a U.S. rain record," 31 Aug. 2017 Dear Tom, What determines how isobars are drawn on weather maps? Tom Skilling, chicagotribune.com, "Ask Tom: What determines how isobars are drawn on weather maps?," 13 May 2017 Dear Tom, What determines how isobars are drawn on weather maps? Tom Skilling, chicagotribune.com, "Ask Tom: What determines how isobars are drawn on weather maps?," 13 May 2017 Isobars help the meteorologist locate frontal boundaries because fronts are located in troughs of low pressure. Tom Skilling, chicagotribune.com, "Ask Tom: What determines how isobars are drawn on weather maps?," 13 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'isobar.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of isobar

circa 1864, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for isobar

International Scientific Vocabulary is- + -bar (from Greek baros weight); akin to Greek barys heavy — more at grieve

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More Definitions for isobar

isobar

noun
iso·​bar | \ ˈī-sÉ™-ËŒbär How to pronounce isobar (audio) \

Kids Definition of isobar

: a line on a map to indicate areas having the same atmospheric pressure

isobar

noun
iso·​bar | \ ˈī-sÉ™-ËŒbär How to pronounce isobar (audio) \

Medical Definition of isobar

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

More from Merriam-Webster on isobar

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with isobar

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about isobar