sounding-balloon

A scientist releases a sounding-balloon into the clear morning sky.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • Meteorological instrument: A "sounding-balloon" is a balloon used to carry instruments into the upper atmosphere to collect data on pressure, temperature, and humidity. It is typically made of rubber or synthetic material and expands as it rises.

Usage Examples

• (A balloon used for scientific weather data collection.)
• (These balloons help study the upper layers of the atmosphere.)

Advanced Usage

• "to send up a sounding-balloon": to test or gauge public opinion or reaction before committing to a course of action (figurative use, derived from the literal meteorological practice).

  • The politician sent up a sounding-balloon about tax reform to see how voters would react. (He floated an idea to test public response.)

• "sounding-balloon experiment": a scientific procedure involving the use of such a balloon.

  • The sounding-balloon experiment provided crucial data on ozone levels. (A research project using the balloon.)

Variants and Related Words

• Sounding (adj/n): relating to the measurement of depth or atmospheric conditions.

  • The sounding device was attached to the balloon. (The measuring instrument.)

• Balloon (n): an inflatable bag, often filled with gas, used for flight or decoration.

  • The balloon rose quickly into the sky. (The inflatable object itself.)

Synonyms

• Weather balloon: a common term for a balloon used in meteorology.
• Radiosonde balloon: a specific type of sounding-balloon that carries a radiosonde (a device that transmits data).

Related Idioms

• "Float a trial balloon": to test an idea or proposal to gauge public reaction (similar to "send up a sounding-balloon").
  • The company floated a trial balloon about a new product line. (They tested the idea informally.)