wind cone: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low frequency, technical/specialistTechnical / Aviation / Meteorological
Quick answer
What does “wind cone” mean?
A conical fabric tube mounted on a pole, used at airfields to indicate wind direction and approximate wind speed by its orientation and inflation.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A conical fabric tube mounted on a pole, used at airfields to indicate wind direction and approximate wind speed by its orientation and inflation.
In technical contexts, any device or phenomenon that visually indicates wind patterns, such as streamers or other directional indicators. Sometimes used metaphorically for something that shows the 'direction' of trends or opinions.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both 'wind cone' and 'wind sock' are used in both varieties. 'Wind cone' may be slightly more formal/technical. No significant lexical difference.
Connotations
Neutral technical term in both varieties.
Frequency
'Wind sock' is more common in everyday reference in both UK and US. 'Wind cone' is standard in official aviation documentation and at airfields.
Grammar
How to Use “wind cone” in a Sentence
The [ADJECTIVE] wind cone [VERB] [DIRECTION/STATE].[PILOT/TOWER] observed the wind cone.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in contexts of aviation logistics or airport facility management.
Academic
Used in meteorology, aeronautical engineering, and aviation studies textbooks and papers.
Everyday
Uncommon. Primarily used by pilots, air traffic controllers, aviation enthusiasts, or when describing an airfield.
Technical
Core term in aviation, meteorology, and airfield operations manuals. Refers to a specific ICAO-standard visual aid.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “wind cone”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “wind cone”
- Confusing 'wind cone' with a 'wind vane' (which is a rigid arrow).
- Using 'wind cone' to refer to any wind measurement device like an anemometer.
- Pronouncing 'wind' as in 'to wind a clock' (/waɪnd/).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, for most practical purposes. 'Wind cone' is the formal term used in aviation standards, while 'wind sock' is more common in general speech. Both refer to the same conical fabric device.
No. A wind cone provides an approximate indication of wind speed based on how fully it is inflated (e.g., limp = calm, horizontal = strong). For exact speed, an anemometer is required.
The high-visibility orange and white pattern (or all orange) is specified by aviation authorities like ICAO for maximum contrast against most backgrounds, ensuring pilots can see it clearly from the air.
It must be located in an open area, clear of obstructions, and visible from the air and sometimes from the control tower. Its position is specified in aviation regulations.
A conical fabric tube mounted on a pole, used at airfields to indicate wind direction and approximate wind speed by its orientation and inflation.
Wind cone is usually technical / aviation / meteorological in register.
Wind cone: in British English it is pronounced /ˈwɪnd ˌkəʊn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈwɪnd ˌkoʊn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a traffic cone made of fabric, blown by the WIND, showing which way the wind CONE-s (cones = goes).
Conceptual Metaphor
A VISUAL COMPASS for the wind; a TAIL that points where the wind is going.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a wind cone?