ballon d'essai
/ˌbalɒ̃ dɛˈseɪ/
Word Rarity
Very rare
Frequency: 2.13 in modern English
15
Scrabble Score
12
Letters
3
Syllables
9
Unique Chars
Meaning
noun
A policy put forward to test reactions; something designed to test the waters, an experimental measure.
Example Sentences
- "James II may even have planned the reintroduction of the ceremony, for in his reign the old order of service was resurrected and issued in print, as a ballon d'essai, though the Revolution prevented matters being taken any further."
Etymology
Origin
- Source language: French
Word Breakdown
Regional Pronunciation
- British English: /ˌbalɒ̃ dɛˈseɪ/