wind indicator
C1Technical/Specialized
Definition
Meaning
A device that shows the direction or speed of the wind; a type of anemometer or wind vane.
Any instrument, gauge, or natural sign used to determine wind characteristics. In maritime contexts, often refers to a wind vane or telltale on a sailboat. Can also refer to software or digital displays showing wind data.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily used in meteorology, aviation, sailing, and engineering contexts. Not typically used in everyday conversation about weather (where 'weather vane' or 'anemometer' might be more common). The term is literal and descriptive.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical in both varieties. The term is technical and not subject to regional variation in meaning.
Connotations
Neutral technical term. In British sailing contexts, may be slightly more common than in American recreational sailing, where 'wind vane' or 'telltale' might be preferred.
Frequency
Low frequency in general language, but standard within its technical domains in both regions.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The [ADJ] wind indicator [VERB]...[VERB] the wind indicator for [NOUN]Use the wind indicator to [VERB]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in companies manufacturing meteorological or marine equipment.
Academic
Used in meteorology, environmental science, physics, and engineering papers.
Everyday
Very rare. Most people would say 'weather vane' or 'that thing that shows the wind'.
Technical
Standard term in aviation (e.g., at airfields), sailing, and wind energy industries.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- The wind-indicator display was malfunctioning.
- We need a more accurate wind-indicator system.
American English
- The wind-indicator reading was crucial for the launch.
- He mounted a new wind-indicator unit on the roof.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Look at the wind indicator on the roof.
- The wind indicator moves when it's windy.
- The pilot checked the wind indicator before takeoff.
- Our garden has a small wind indicator shaped like a rooster.
- A reliable wind indicator is essential for safe sailing in changeable conditions.
- The meteorological station's primary wind indicator was damaged in the storm.
- The yacht's masthead wind indicator, a sensitive vane, allowed the helmsman to trim the sails with precision.
- Engineers calibrated the ultrasonic wind indicator to measure gusts up to 150 kph.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of an INDIAN pointing with a feather to show which way the WIND is blowing – a WIND INDICATOR.
Conceptual Metaphor
WIND IS A VISIBLE FORCE (indicated by a moving object).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque 'ветер индикатор'. Correct: 'индикатор ветра', 'флюгер', 'анемометр'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'wind indicator' for a simple piece of cloth (use 'windsock' or 'telltale').
- Confusing 'wind indicator' (general) with 'anemometer' (specifically for speed).
- Capitalising it as a proper noun.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'wind indicator' LEAST likely to be used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Very similar. A weather vane is a traditional type of wind indicator, often decorative. 'Wind indicator' is a broader, more technical term that includes digital and scientific instruments.
It depends. The term can refer to devices that show only direction (like a simple vane), only speed (anemometer), or both (a combined instrument often called a 'wind gauge').
At airports (often as a windsock or lighted tetrahedron), on boats (small vanes on the mast), on top of buildings, and at weather stations.
A windsock is a specific type of wind indicator—a conical textile tube that shows both wind direction and approximate speed by its angle of inflation.