ballon-sonde Meteorol.
(balɔ̃sɔ̃d)
[Fr., in same sense.]
A small balloon, also called a sounding balloon or registering balloon, used for recording atmospheric conditions.
| 1901 Aeronaut. Jrnl. Jan. 3/2 In another part of this journal will be seen the record of the first ascent of a ‘ballon sonde’ in England. [1902 Encycl. Brit. XXX. 708/2 As these ascensions are made with great velocity, and therefore as nearly vertical as possible, they are called ‘soundings’, because of their analogy to the mariner's usage at sea, and the balloon is called a ‘sounding balloon’.] 1924 J. E. Hodgson Hist. Aeronautics Gt. Brit. i. 22 The use of pilot balloons, or ballons-sondes, capable of carrying recording instruments to immense heights. 1951 Gloss. Aeronaut. Terms (B.S.I.) III. 41 Registering balloon, Ballon sonde. A small free balloon carrying self-recording instruments for obtaining information on upper-air conditions. [B.S.I. prefers registering balloon.] |