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View synonyms for

indicator

[in-di-key-ter]

noun

  1. a person or thing that indicates, signals, or points out.

  2. a pointing or directing mechanism, as a pointer on the dial of an instrument to show pressure, temperature, speed, volume, etc., or a moveable icon in the graphical user interface of a computer or other device: Move the indicator to the edge of the browser and drag to resize the window.

    The fuel indicator was pointing to empty.

    Move the indicator to the edge of the browser and drag to resize the window.

  3. an instrument that indicates the condition of a machine or the like.

  4. an instrument for measuring and recording variations of pressure in the cylinder of an engine.

  5. Chemistry.

    1. a substance, as litmus, that indicates the presence or concentration of a certain constituent.

    2. a substance often used in a titration to indicate the point at which the reaction is complete.

  6. Ecology.a plant, animal, or species that indicates, by its presence in a given area, the existence of certain environmental conditions.



indicator

/ ˈɪԻɪˌɪə /

noun

  1. something that provides an indication, esp of trends See economic indicator

  2. a device to attract attention, such as the pointer of a gauge or a warning lamp

  3. an instrument that displays certain operating conditions in a machine, such as a gauge showing temperature, speed, pressure, etc

    1. a device that records or registers something, such as the movements of a lift, or that shows information, such as arrival and departure times of trains

    2. ( as modifier )

      indicator light

  4. Also called: blinker.a device for indicating that a motor vehicle is about to turn left or right, esp two pairs of lights that flash when operated or a pair of trafficators

  5. Also called: dial gauge.a delicate measuring instrument used to determine small differences in the height of mechanical components. It consists of a spring-loaded plunger that operates a pointer moving over a circular scale

  6. chem

    1. a substance used in titrations to indicate the completion of a chemical reaction, usually by a change of colour

    2. a substance, such as litmus, that indicates the presence of an acid or alkali

  7. Also called: indicator species.ecology

    1. a plant or animal species that thrives only under particular environmental conditions and therefore indicates these conditions where it is found

    2. a species of plant or animal whose well-being confirms the well-being of other species in the area

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

indicator

  1. A chemical compound that changes color and structure when exposed to certain conditions and is therefore useful for chemical tests. Litmus, for example, is an indicator that becomes red in the presence of acids and blue in the presence of bases.

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Word History and Origins

Origin of indicator1

First recorded in 1660–70; from Late Latin Ի徱ٴǰ, equivalent to Latin Ի徱() “to make known, point out” + -tor; indicate, -tor
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

"The more keen eye will realise that this isn't a police car," he says as he flicks his indicator.

From

While Capital Economics said the UK jobs market was "not collapsing", its deputy chief UK economist Ruth Gregory said: "Most indicators show labour demand is clearly weakening."

From

Those early signs of kowtowing were bad indicators that the members of Youngstown State University’s faculty union just couldn’t get behind.

From

Many economists continue to rely on topline macroeconomic indicators, despite privately acknowledging that affordability challenges — such as high rent, expensive child care and rising daily costs —remain central personal concerns.

From

Dr Jibin He says UPF as a term is not a helpful indicator of whether something is healthy or unhealthy, as the concept, and how it is explained to the public, is flawed.

From

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