aerostat

Definition

An aircraft, such as a dirigible or balloon, that derives its lift from buoyancy rather than from wings or rotors.

Etymology

Borrowed from French aérostat, from Ancient Greek ἀήρ (aḗr, “air”) + στατός (statós, “stable”), equivalent to aero- + -stat.

Example Sentences

• "With its molten temperatures, sulphuric acid clouds, and crushing carbon dioxide atmosphere, Venus has only a handful of aerostat research outposts."

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