Word Study
sonde
CIDE DICTIONARY
- That which is sent; a message or messenger; hence, also, a visitation of providence; an affliction or trial. [1913 Webster]"Ye have enough, parde, of Goddes sond." [1913 Webster]
- a rocket or balloon sent into the upper atmosphere to measure atmospheric conditions or other phenomena at altitudes unattainable by aircraft. [PJC]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
sonde, n. a device sent up to obtain information about atmospheric conditions, esp. = RADIOSONDE.
Etymology
F, = sounding(-line)
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