radiosonde
Definition
Radiosonde (noun): An instrument carried aloft, typically by a balloon, that measures atmospheric conditions (such as temperature, humidity, and pressure) and transmits the data via radio waves to a ground station.
Usage Examples
- (The instrument was launched to collect atmospheric information.)
- (The data transmitted by the device was used for forecasting.)
Advanced Usage
"radiosonde observation": a measurement of the atmosphere taken using a radiosonde.
- Radiosonde observations are crucial for understanding weather patterns at high altitudes. (These measurements help meteorologists analyze the upper atmosphere.)
"radiosonde network": a system of radiosonde stations that collect data from multiple locations.
- The global radiosonde network provides essential data for climate research. (A coordinated set of instruments worldwide.)
Variants and Related Words
Radiometer (n): an instrument for measuring electromagnetic radiation (related but distinct in function).
- The radiometer detected solar radiation levels. (It measures radiation, not atmospheric conditions like a radiosonde.)
Sonde (n): a general term for a probe or instrument sent into a body or medium (e.g., a balloon or rocket).
- The sonde descended through the atmosphere, recording temperature changes. (A probe used for similar purposes.)
Synonyms
- Weather balloon: a balloon carrying instruments (including radiosondes) for atmospheric measurements.
- Upper-air instrument: a device that samples conditions in the upper atmosphere.
Related Idioms