Millibar: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The term 'millibar' comes from 'milli', meaning one-thousandth, and 'bar', derived from Greek, meaning weight.
• It was first introduced in the early 20th century as meteorologists needed a more precise way to measure atmospheric pressure.

Science

• One millibar is equivalent to 0.1 kPa (kilopascal), offering an effective metric for describing atmospheric conditions.
• Standard atmospheric pressure at sea level is about 1013.25 millibars, serving as a baseline in weather reporting.

Meteorology

• Meteorologists use millibars to track weather changes and predict storms, vital for public safety.
• When air pressure drops significantly, it often indicates approaching storms or bad weather.

Pop Culture

• In movies and books, weather changes can be dramatized by referencing shifts in pressure, like sudden drops in millibars before a storm.
• Millibar references can sometimes appear in video games, emphasizing fake weather systems and immersive environments.

History

• The concept of measuring atmospheric pressure dates back to the invention of the barometer in the 17th century.
• Adoption of the millibar in weather reporting became common worldwide in the mid-20th century, standardizing communication among meteorologists.

Ranking #38,124, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.

• ...
• 38121 rabidly
• 38122 hallo
• 38123 philanderer
• 38124 millibar
• 38125 ferule
• 38126 rewired
• 38127 deluging
• ...