avionics
|a-vi-on-ics|
🇺🇸
/ˌeɪviˈɑːnɪks/
🇬🇧
/ˌeɪviˈɒnɪks/
electronic systems for aircraft/spacecraft
Etymology
'avionics' originates from English, specifically coined in the mid-20th century as a blend of 'aviation' and 'electronics'.
'aviation' ultimately derives from French 'avion' (aircraft) and 'electronics' from Greek 'electron' (amber) via Modern Latin and scientific usage; these elements were combined in English to form the coinage 'avionics' to name aircraft electronics.
Initially coined to refer specifically to electronic systems for aircraft, the term's meaning broadened to include electronics for spacecraft and related aerospace systems and remains used in that broader sense today.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the science and technology of electronic systems used on aircraft, spacecraft, and satellites (e.g., navigation, communication, flight-control systems).
Modern commercial airliners rely on advanced avionics for navigation and flight control.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/12/02 20:50