pilot balloon

noun

1. a balloon for the visual observation of upper-atmosphere wind currents.

pilot balloon

noun

1. a meteorological balloon used to observe air currents

Word History and Origins

Origin of pilot balloon¹

First recorded in 1840–50

Example Sentences

Still another device employed by meteorologists is the pilot-balloon.

From Project Gutenberg

His white cravat was tied before in a sort of pilot-balloon, or white rosicrucian puff.

From Project Gutenberg

The pilot balloon, that is so soon out of sight, can offer no guidance—don't forget that!

From Project Gutenberg