Sonde
/sɒnd/noun
A measuring instrument, especially one carried by a balloon or rocket to collect atmospheric or environmental data.
Did you know?A radiosonde can ascend through the atmosphere transmitting temperature, pressure, and humidity data, making it a modern descendant of the old sounding probe.
Etymological Timeline
Latin, uncertain origin
Latin
subundare
“A proposed source connected with sounding or probing beneath water; the derivation is not fully certain.”
16th Century
French
sonder
“To sound or measure the depth of water; later, to examine or investigate.”
16th–17th Century
French
sonde
“A sounding line, probe, or instrument used to investigate depth.”
18th Century
French
sonde
“A technical probe or sounding instrument.”
19th Century
English
sonde
“A probe or device for collecting measurements, especially in scientific exploration.”
Modern English
English
sonde
“An instrument, commonly a radiosonde, used to measure atmospheric or environmental conditions.”