Word: Wind Sock
Definition: A wind sock is a type of fabric cone that is usually attached to a tall pole. It is used to show which direction the wind is blowing. You can often see wind socks at airports or on sports fields.
Usage Instructions: - A wind sock is typically placed in open areas where the wind can easily flow through it. - When the wind blows, the wind sock fills up and points in the direction the wind is coming from. - Pilots and people working outdoors use wind socks to help them understand wind conditions.
Example: - "The pilot looked at the wind sock to see which way the wind was blowing before taking off."
Advanced Usage: - In aviation, the wind sock helps pilots assess wind speed and direction, which is crucial for take-offs and landings. - In sports, a wind sock can inform athletes about wind conditions that may affect their performance.
Word Variants: - Wind socks (plural): Refers to more than one wind sock. - Wind-sock (hyphenated form): Sometimes used in written text.
Different Meaning: In a more informal context, "wind sock" doesn’t have a different meaning, but it can be humorously used to refer to someone who is easily swayed by others, as if they are being blown around by the wind.
Synonyms: - Wind direction indicator - Wind vane (although a wind vane is a different device that also indicates wind direction, it is usually more rigid and does not take the shape of a sock)
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:While there aren’t specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly related to "wind sock," you might hear phrases like: - "Go with the flow," which means to adapt to changing circumstances, similar to how a wind sock follows the wind's direction.
In aviation or outdoor settings, people might say: - "Check the wind sock," meaning to look at the wind sock to understand the wind conditions.
Summary: A wind sock is a simple yet important tool that helps people see the direction of the wind.