wind sock
Definition
- Noun:
- A truncated cloth cone mounted on a mast; used (e.g., at airports) to show the direction of the wind: A "wind sock" is a device consisting of a conical, open-ended fabric tube attached to a pole. It catches the wind and aligns itself to indicate wind direction and provide a rough estimate of wind speed based on how fully it inflates.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The pilot checked the wind sock before attempting to land. (The pilot looked at the fabric cone to determine the wind's direction before landing the plane.)
- A bright orange wind sock is clearly visible at the small airfield. (A highly visible, cone-shaped fabric indicator is mounted at the airfield.)
Advanced Usage
- "to read the wind sock": to observe and interpret the direction and inflation of the wind sock to gauge wind conditions.
- Experienced sailors can read the wind sock to adjust their sails. (Skilled sailors can look at the wind sock's position and shape to understand the wind.)
Variants and Related Words
- Windsock (n): An alternative, single-word spelling for "wind sock".
- The windsock was fully extended, indicating strong winds.
- Wind cone (n): Another term for a wind sock, emphasizing its conical shape.
- The wind cone at the helipad is essential for safe operations.
- Air sock (n): A synonym, particularly used in aviation contexts.
- The air sock showed a steady northerly breeze.
Synonyms
- Drogue: A similar fabric device used for stability or to slow motion, often in water or air, but can also indicate wind direction.
- Wind sleeve: A less common synonym for a wind sock.
Related Phrases
- To fly like a wind sock: To be unstable or directionless, moving with every change in circumstance (idiomatic).
- His opinions on the matter fly like a wind sock, changing with the latest news. (His opinions are unstable and change easily, similar to how a wind sock moves with the wind.)
Notes on Meaning
- The primary and only core meaning of "wind sock" is the physical device used as a wind direction indicator. Its function is purely meteorological and practical, with no other common definitions. All related terms and idioms derive from this single, concrete meaning.
Noun
-
a truncated cloth cone mounted on a mast; used (e.g., at airports) to show the direction of the wind
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