aerostat

[ air-uh-stat ]

noun

1. any lighter-than-air aircraft, as a balloon or dirigible.

aerostat

/ ˈɛərəˌstæt /

noun

1. a lighter-than-air craft, such as a balloon

Derived Forms

• ˌaeroˈstatic, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of aerostat¹

First recorded in 1775–85; aero- + -stat

Word History and Origins

Origin of aerostat¹

C18: from French aérostat, from aero- + Greek -statos standing

Example Sentences

In 2018, the Academy of Opto-Electronics organized the China Aerostat Conference in Beijing with the theme of “military-civilian integration”; in 2017, the academy attended a near space summit aimed at fusing military and civilian technologies, according a summary in state media.

From Washington Post

“Third is employing aerostat weapons to implement psychological attacks against the enemy,” the report said.

From Washington Times

The aircraft, technically known as an aerostat, appears to be intended to boost China’s reconnaissance capabilities in the hotly disputed Spratly Islands, according to a Nov. 24 tweet by Imagesat International.

From Washington Times

“For the first time, #China’s aerostat, probably for #military #intelligence-gathering purposes, seen by #ISI at #Mischief Reef. The use of #aerostat allows China a continuous situational awareness in this resource-rich region,” said the tweet by the company, which provides satellite information to intelligence and defense customers.

From Washington Times

The aerostat adds to ground- and ship-based radar and reconnaissance flights by China to monitor and seek to control military activity in the area by other countries, especially the United States.

From Washington Times