parachute

¹para·chute

noun \ˈper-ə-ˌshüt, ˈpa-rə-\

Definition of PARACHUTE

1

: a device for slowing the descent of a person or object through the air that consists of a fabric canopy beneath which the person or object is suspended

2

: patagium

3

: a device or structure suggestive of a parachute in form, use, or operation

— para·chut·ic \ˌper-ə-ˈshü-tik, ˌpa-rə-\ adjective

Examples of PARACHUTE

1. The pilot was wearing a parachute.
2. The supplies were dropped by parachute.

Origin of PARACHUTE

French, from para- (as in parasol) + chute fall — more at chute

First Known Use: 1785

Other Aeronautics/Aerospace Terms

airway, apron, corridor, dirigible, fishtail, flat-hat, vector

Rhymes with PARACHUTE

absolute, Aleut, arrowroot, Asyût, attribute, autoroute, bandicoot, bathing suit, birthday suit, bitterroot, bodysuit, boilersuit, bumbershoot, business suit, comminute, constitute, contribute, convolute, destitute, disrepute, dissolute, execute, follow suit, gingerroot, hot pursuit, institute, involute, kiwifruit, leisure suit, malamute, overshoot, passion fruit, persecute, point-and-shoot, prosecute, prostitute, qiviut, resolute, restitute, revolute, run-and-shoot, rural route, subacute, substitute, troubleshoot, undershoot

²parachute

verb

parachut·edparachut·ing

Definition of PARACHUTE

transitive verb

: to convey by means of a parachute

intransitive verb

: to descend by means of a parachute

Examples of PARACHUTE

1. The soldiers parachuted in and quickly hid their gear.
2. New troops parachuted into enemy territory.
3. We will parachute supplies in after you arrive.
4. New troops were parachuted into enemy territory.

First Known Use of PARACHUTE

1809

Other Aeronautics/Aerospace Terms

airway, apron, corridor, dirigible, fishtail, flat-hat, vector

parachute

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Umbrella-like device for slowing the descent of a body falling through the atmosphere. Separate panels sewn together form a canopy attached by suspension lines to a harness worn by the user. Originally designed to provide a safe escape from a disabled aircraft, parachutes are also used for dropping supplies and for slowing returning space capsules. The parachute was conceived by the 14th century, but practical demonstrations began only in the 1780s in France, leading in 1797 to a 3,200-ft (1,000-m) exhibition jump from a balloon by André-Jacques Garnerin (1769–1823); in 1802 he made a jump of 8,000 ft (2,400 m). Early parachute material was canvas, which was later replaced by silk and then nylon. See also skydiving.