Definition

1. Noun:
   • A specialized oceanographic vessel: A "weather ship" is a ship stationed in the ocean specifically to collect and report meteorological data, such as atmospheric pressure, wind speed, temperature, and humidity. Its primary function is scientific observation to aid weather forecasting and maritime safety.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The weather ship transmitted vital storm data to the mainland.
  • Before satellites, weather ships were crucial for gathering oceanic climate information.
  • The crew of the weather ship endured rough seas to maintain their observation schedule.

Advanced Usage

• Historical Role: The term often refers to vessels used in the mid-20th century that were permanently stationed at designated ocean points. Their role has largely been supplanted by automated buoys and satellites.
  • The North Atlantic weather ship program was discontinued in the 1980s.

Variants and Related Words

• Weather station (n): A fixed land-based installation for meteorological observations.
• Oceanographic research vessel (n): A broader term for a ship conducting various sea studies, which may include weather observation.
• Automatic weather buoy (n): A modern, unmanned device that performs a similar data-collection function.

Synonyms

• Meteorological ship: A direct synonym emphasizing the scientific purpose.
• Observation ship: A more general term for a vessel equipped for scientific monitoring.

Related Phrases

• On weather ship duty: Refers to the assignment of serving on such a vessel.
  • He spent two years on weather ship duty in the Pacific.

Noun

1. an oceangoing vessel equipped to make meteorological observations