radiosonde

[ rey-dee-oh-sond ]

noun

, Meteorology.

1. an instrument that is carried aloft by a balloon to send back information on atmospheric temperature, pressure, and humidity by means of a small radio transmitter.

radiosonde

/ ˈreɪdɪəʊˌsɒnd /

noun

1. an airborne instrument used to send meteorological information back to earth by radio Also calledradiometeorograph

radiosonde

/ rā′dē-ō-sŏnd′ /

1. An instrument that is carried into the atmosphere by a balloon, makes measurements of temperature, air pressure, humidity, and wind speed and direction, and transmits the measurements back to the ground. A radiosonde is typically sent to altitudes of approximately 30 km (18.6 mi). There are approximately 70 radiosonde stations across the continental United States. Each station launches two radiosondes daily.

Word History and Origins

Origin of radiosonde¹

First recorded in 1935–40; radio- + sonde

Word History and Origins

Origin of radiosonde¹

C20: radio- + French sonde sounding line