wind tunnel

[ wind ]

noun

, Aeronautics.

1. a tubular chamber or structure in which a steady current of air can be maintained at a controlled velocity, equipped with devices for measuring and recording forces and moments on scale models of complete aircraft or of their parts or, sometimes, on full-scale aircraft or their parts.

wind tunnel

/ wɪnd /

noun

1. a chamber for testing the aerodynamic properties of aircraft, aerofoils, etc, in which a current of air can be maintained at a constant velocity

wind tunnel

1. A chamber through which air is blown at controlled speeds to simulate the motion of objects placed in the chamber through the air, used to study the aerodynamic properties of objects such as automobiles, airplanes, and missiles.

Word History and Origins

Origin of wind tunnel¹

An Americanism dating back to 1910–15

Example Sentences

It's hard in the wind tunnel of fame and managers and fans and appearance fees.

From The Daily Beast

He also wants to open an indoor skydiving center, complete with a vertical wind tunnel.

From The Daily Beast

The Wind Tunnel has proved that by exhaustive research—and don't forget how quickly I can grow!

From Project Gutenberg

It looked like the inside of a giant wind tunnel brilliantly lit now with powerful searchlights.

From Project Gutenberg

The best angles of incidence for these varying factors are found by means of wind-tunnel research and practical trial and error.

From Project Gutenberg

The best degree of fineness for any given velocity is found by means of wind-tunnel research.

From Project Gutenberg

Dio staggered out of the wind-tunnel and sagged down beside Jill.

From Project Gutenberg