sailplane
|sail/plane|
B2
/ˈseɪlˌpleɪn/
glider for sustained flight
Etymology
Etymology Information
'sailplane' originates from the combination of 'sail' and 'plane', where 'sail' refers to the act of gliding smoothly and 'plane' refers to an aircraft.
Historical Evolution
'sailplane' was coined in the early 20th century to describe a glider capable of long-distance flight.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it referred to any glider, but now it specifically denotes those designed for sustained flight using air currents.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a type of glider designed for sustained flight, using rising air currents.
The pilot skillfully maneuvered the sailplane through the thermals.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/30 20:36