indicator
Americannoun
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a person or thing that indicates, signals, or points out.
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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.
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an instrument that indicates the condition of a machine or the like.
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an instrument for measuring and recording variations of pressure in the cylinder of an engine.
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Chemistry.
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a substance, as litmus, that indicates the presence or concentration of a certain constituent.
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a substance often used in a titration to indicate the point at which the reaction is complete.
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Ecology. a plant, animal, or species that indicates, by its presence in a given area, the existence of certain environmental conditions.
noun
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something that provides an indication, esp of trends See economic indicator
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a device to attract attention, such as the pointer of a gauge or a warning lamp
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an instrument that displays certain operating conditions in a machine, such as a gauge showing temperature, speed, pressure, etc
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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
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( as modifier )
indicator light
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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
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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
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chem
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a substance used in titrations to indicate the completion of a chemical reaction, usually by a change of colour
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a substance, such as litmus, that indicates the presence of an acid or alkali
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Also called: indicator species. ecology
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a plant or animal species that thrives only under particular environmental conditions and therefore indicates these conditions where it is found
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a species of plant or animal whose well-being confirms the well-being of other species in the area
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Etymology
Origin of indicator
First recorded in 1660–70; from Late Latin indicātor, equivalent to Latin indicā(re) “to make known, point out” + -tor; indicate, -tor
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
This approach looks at how DNA is packaged inside each cell, revealing which regions of the genome are accessible and active, a key indicator of a cell's state and function.
From Science Daily
Benchmark 10-year Treasury note yields, perhaps the single most important indicator for a financial asset in the world, slipped below the 4% threshold for the first time since November this week.
From Barron's
Gross margins are important because they’re a key indicator of a company’s future earnings.
From Barron's
Now that C30 and C31 sterols appear to be reliable indicators of ancient sponges, the researchers plan to examine rocks from other parts of the world.
From Science Daily
The release on Thursday of the household spending indicator for January will also be closely watched by the central bank, given that strong consumer spending will add to the case for higher interest rates.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
