sonde

Noun

CIDE DICTIONARY

sonde, n. [AS. sand. See Send, v. t.].

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]

sonde, n. a device sent up to obtain information about atmospheric conditions, esp. = RADIOSONDE.

Etymology

F, = sounding(-line)