An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

A rocket or balloon carrying instruments to probe conditions in the upper atmosphere.

Etymology (EN): From Fr. sonde “ounding line; plumb line.”

Etymology (PE): Gomâné “a shaft sunk in order to ascertain the depth of the water when making a subterraneous canal,” from Proto-Iranian *vi-mā-, from vi- “apart, away from, out” (cf. Av. vi-; O.Pers. viy- “apart, away;” Skt. vi- “apart, asunder, away, out;” L. vitare “to avoid, turn aside”) + mā- “to measure” (cf.
O.Pers./Av. mā(y)- “to measure;” Mod.Pers.
mâ/mun/mân “measure,” as in Pers. terms âzmâ- “to test;”
pirâmun “perimeter,” âzmun “test, trial,”
peymân “measuring, agreement,” peymâné “a measure; a cup, bowl;”
PIE base *me- “to measure;”
cf. Skt. mati “measures,” matra- “measure;” Gk. metron “measure;” L. metrum).