Definition

A small gasbag inside a balloon or airship that can be filled or emptied to help control its shape and how high it flies.

Example

The pilot adjusted the ballonet to stabilize the airship during its ascent.

Conversation

I read that the ballonet is crucial for keeping the balloon stable during flight.

Really? I didn’t know it played such an important role.

Yeah, it helps with controlling the altitude, which is pretty interesting.

That makes sense! I guess there’s a lot more to airships than I thought.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Ballonet is derived from the French word 'ballon' (meaning balloon) combined with the diminutive suffix '-et' (meaning small). The term refers to a small balloon or airbag used in larger balloons to maintain their shape and stability.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'balloon' and remember that a 'ballonet' is a small version of it, helping to keep larger balloons stable.

Visually Confused Words