Radiosonde

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A device that measures and transmits atmospheric parameters like temperature, pressure, and humidity from high altitudes to provide meteorological insights
2. An instrument that ascends into the atmosphere to collect and relay data on temperature, pressure, and humidity for weather forecasting purposes
3. A device designed to ascend into the atmosphere, collecting and transmitting information on temperature, pressure, and humidity for meteorological analysis

Etymology: The most surprising thing about "radiosonde" is that "sonde" is a French word with no connection to sound. It comes from the French "sonde", meaning a sounding line or plumb line, the weighted cord used to measure depth at sea. The word moved from that nautical sense to describe instruments lowered on a line to take measurements, and the French used it for devices sent into the upper air or the ocean. "Radio" supplies the other half. A radiosonde is an instrument package carried aloft by a balloon that measures temperature, pressure and humidity and transmits the readings back to the ground by radio signal. The combination therefore describes a radio-equipped instrument that goes up to sample the atmosphere, rather than a device that makes sound.