sonde

noun

: any of various devices for testing physical conditions (as at high altitudes, below the earth's surface, or inside the body)

Examples of sonde in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web In addition to the jet — which is also equipped with Doppler radar to study wind — the program is launching other sondes, from a ship and a small atoll near the Equator. Henry Fountain, New York Times, 1 Feb. 2016 A brief whooshing noise was the only indication that a sonde had been released. Henry Fountain, New York Times, 1 Feb. 2016

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sonde.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

French, literally, sounding line — more at sound entry 6

First Known Use

1940, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sonde was in 1940

Dictionary Entries Near sonde

Cite this Entry

“Sonde.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sonde. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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