helicopter

¹he·li·cop·ter

noun \ˈhe-lə-ˌkäp-tər, ˈhē-\

Definition of HELICOPTER

: an aircraft whose lift is derived from the aerodynamic forces acting on one or more powered rotors turning about substantially vertical axes

Examples of HELICOPTER

1. <took a helicopter tour to get a better sense of the grandeur of the Grand Canyon>

Origin of HELICOPTER

French hélicoptère, from Greek heliko- + pteron wing — more at feather

First Known Use: 1887

Related to HELICOPTER

Synonyms: chopper, copter, eggbeater, helo, whirlybird

Related Words: rotary-wing aircraft, rotorcraft; autogiro (or autogyro), convertiplane (or convertaplane), gyroplane, tilt-rotor; slick [slang]

[+]more[-]hide

Rhymes with HELICOPTER

adopter, ornithopter