wind tun·nel / wind/ • n. a tunnel-like apparatus for producing an airstream of known velocity past models of aircraft, buildings, etc., in order to investigate flow or the effect of wind on the full-size object. ∎  an open space through which strong winds are channeled by surrounding tall buildings.

wind tunnel Chamber in which scale models and even full-size aircraft and road vehicles are tested in a controlled airflow. Some wind tunnels can reproduce extreme conditions of wind speed, temperature, and pressure. Models of bridges and other structures are tested in wind tunnels to check that winds cannot set up destructive vibrations.