Definition
A sensitive recording instrument that continuously measures and traces very small changes in atmospheric pressure over time on a moving paper chart.
Plain English
A device that draws a line on paper showing tiny changes in air pressure as they happen, so you can see how pressure has been rising or falling.
Context Anchor
Seen in meteorology and aviation weather discussions, usually at a weather station rather than in the cockpit.
Derivation
From Greek 'micro' (small), 'baro' (weight or pressure), and 'graph' (something written or drawn). Together: an instrument that draws a record of small pressure changes.
Why Pilots Care
Rapid pressure changes shown on a microbarograph trace can signal approaching weather such as fronts, thunderstorms, or pressure waves -- all of which affect flight planning, altimeter settings, and turbulence expectations.
Intuition Check
A microbarograph is not an altimeter or a normal cockpit pressure gauge. It records tiny air-pressure changes over time; it is not used to set or read aircraft altitude.
Example Sentence 1
The microbarograph trace showed a sharp pressure drop just before the squall line moved through the airfield.
Example Sentence 2
Technicians checked the microbarograph record before adjusting the sensitive altimeter for the day's conditions.