wind tunnel

[wind]

noun

Aeronautics.

1. a tubular chamber or structure in which a steady current of air can be maintained at a controlled velocity, equipped with devices for measuring and recording forces and moments on scale models of complete aircraft or of their parts or, sometimes, on full-scale aircraft or their parts.

wind tunnel

/ wɪnd /

noun

1. a chamber for testing the aerodynamic properties of aircraft, aerofoils, etc, in which a current of air can be maintained at a constant velocity

wind tunnel

1. A chamber through which air is blown at controlled speeds to simulate the motion of objects placed in the chamber through the air, used to study the aerodynamic properties of objects such as automobiles, airplanes, and missiles.

Word History and Origins

Origin of wind tunnel¹

An Americanism dating back to 1910–15

Example Sentences

The team has gone through a few phases of technical restructure, and the infrastructure has been built up over a few years, including a new wind tunnel that came on stream last year.

From BBC

A university hopes a £2m investment in wind tunnels will put it at the forefront of aerospace teaching facilities.

From BBC

Valleys and canyons can transform into wind tunnels in these extreme conditions.

From Los Angeles Times

Newey follows a major recruitment programme, as well as the building of a new factory and wind tunnel.

From BBC

In a windowless shack on the far outskirts of Fresno, an ominious red glow illuminates a lab filled with X-ray machines, shelves of glowing boxes, a quietly humming incubator and a miniature wind tunnel.

From Los Angeles Times