From HomoExcelsior

A lighter-than-air craft, such as an airship or ballon.

Sometimes called a "Zeppelin" for Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin (1838-1917), who perfected rigid airship design in the first two decades of the 20th century.

Refers, however, to any craft which achieves altitude utilizing a lifting gas (usually helium or hydrogen or heated air) of lighter weight than the atmosphere being displaced. Unlike other types of craft in most Western countries, airships in Germany were referred to in the masculine.

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