noun
- a tube or instrument that measures the speed of a fluid (such as air or water) by detecting the difference between static and dynamic pressure
Usage: often used in aviation and aeronautics; also called pitot tube
Examples
- The aircraft's pitot measures airspeed by sensing the pressure of moving air.
- A pitot tube is essential for accurate airspeed indication in modern aircraft.
- The pitot can become blocked by ice, leading to incorrect speed readings.
- Engineers use a pitot to test the velocity of wind in the tunnel.
- The pilot checked the pitot reading before takeoff.