ENGLISH
REFERENCE

indicator

n.
US //ˈɪndəˌkeɪtɝ// UK //ˈɪndɪkˌeɪtɐ// in·di·ca·tor
  1. 1 a sign or signal (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a sign or piece of information that shows the state or level of something.

    a sign or signal that points to a particular condition or level.

    Example

    High house prices are often a good indicator of a strong local economy.

    Example

    The sudden drop in consumer spending served as a clear indicator that the public was becoming wary of future inflation.
  2. 2 economic metric (n.)
    C1 Advanced Academic Economics

    a statistic, like the unemployment rate, used to judge how well a country is doing.

    a statistical value used to measure the current state of an economy or to predict future trends.

    Example

    The government looks at several economic indicators before changing interest rates.

    Example

    Leading economic indicators suggest that the manufacturing sector is poised for a significant recovery in the coming fiscal quarter.
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  1. 3 vehicle turn signal (n.)
    B1 Intermediate British English

    the flashing light on a car that shows which way you are going to turn.

    a flashing light on a vehicle used to signal an intended change in direction.

    Example

    He forgot to use his indicator when he turned into the driveway.

    Example

    The driver failed to engage his right indicator before merging, nearly causing a collision with the motorcyclist in his blind spot.
    • turn signal
    • blinker
  2. 4 measuring device (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Technical

    a dial, needle, or screen on a machine that shows a measurement.

    a gauge or instrument that displays a specific measurement or status.

    Example

    The temperature indicator on the dashboard started to climb into the red zone.

    Example

    Engineers monitored the pressure indicator closely during the test to ensure the pipes did not exceed their safety limits.
  3. 5 chemical test (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Science

    a substance that changes colour to show if a liquid is an acid or a base.

    a substance that undergoes a visible change, such as a colour shift, to indicate the presence or concentration of a chemical.

    Example

    Litmus paper is a common indicator used in school science labs.

    Example

    The chemist added a few drops of the indicator to the solution to determine its pH level through a distinct colour transition.
  4. 6 environmental sign (n.)
    C1 Advanced Academic Technical Science

    a plant or animal that shows if an environment is healthy or polluted.

    an organism whose presence, absence, or health reflects the specific environmental conditions of its habitat.

    Example

    Frogs are a good indicator of water quality because they are sensitive to pollution.

    Example

    The decline of certain lichen species served as a biological indicator of increasing atmospheric nitrogen levels in the forest.
    • bioindicator
Origin

From Late Latin indicātor (“one who points out”), from Latin indicō (“point out”). By surface analysis, indicate + -or; see indicate.

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