pilot-balloon

A pilot-balloon rises into the clear blue sky.

Definition

Noun: A small, unmanned balloon used to determine the direction and speed of wind at various altitudes, typically released before a larger balloon or for meteorological observation.

Usage Examples

• (A small balloon used to gauge atmospheric conditions.)
• (The balloon served as a wind indicator.)

Advanced Usage

• "pilot-balloon observation": A method of collecting wind data by tracking the balloon's movement using a theodolite or radar.
  • The weather station conducted a pilot-balloon observation every hour to update the forecast. (A systematic wind measurement technique.)

Variants and Related Words

• Pilot balloon (also written as two words): Same meaning as "pilot-balloon."
  • The team launched a pilot balloon to test the air currents. (A small meteorological balloon.)
• Balloon (n): A flexible bag filled with gas or hot air, used for flight or decoration.
  • The balloon drifted eastward in the wind. (General term for inflatable objects.)

Synonyms

• Weather balloon: A larger balloon used for carrying instruments to measure atmospheric conditions.
• Sounding balloon: A balloon used for upper-air soundings.

Related Idioms

• Go up like a pilot balloon: To rise or ascend quickly, often used metaphorically.
  • The company's stock price went up like a pilot balloon after the announcement. (Rose rapidly, similar to the balloon's ascent.)