stealth

¹stealth

noun \ˈstelth\

Definition of STEALTH

1

a archaic : theft

b obsolete : something stolen

2

: the act or action of proceeding furtively, secretly, or imperceptibly <the state moves by stealth to gather information — Nat Hentoff>

3

: the state of being furtive or unobtrusive

4

: an aircraft-design characteristic consisting of oblique angular construction and avoidance of vertical surfaces that is intended to produce a very weak radar return

Examples of STEALTH

1. The fox uses stealth and cunning to hunt its prey.

Origin of STEALTH

Middle English stelthe; akin to Old English stelan to steal

First Known Use: 13th century

²stealth

adjective

Definition of STEALTH

: intended not to attract attention : stealthy <a stealth campaign>

Examples of STEALTH

1. <the SWAT team carried out a stealth raid on the house, which was believed to be harboring a terrorist cell>

First Known Use of STEALTH

1987

Related to STEALTH

Synonyms

backstairs, behind-the-scenes, clandestine, covert, furtive, hole-and-corner, hugger-mugger, hush-hush, private, privy, sneak, sneaking, sneaky, secret, stealthy, surreptitious, undercover, underground, underhand, underhanded

Antonyms

open, overt, public

Related Words

back-channel, closed-door, off-the-books, off-the-record; classified, confidential, restricted, top secret, undisclosed; concealed, hidden, secreted, subterranean, unadvertised, unexposed

Near Antonyms

acknowledged, avowed; aboveboard, straightforward, unconcealed, undisguised; unclassified, unrestricted; clear, evident, manifest, obvious, patent, plain

stealth

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Any military technology intended to make vehicles or missiles nearly invisible to enemy radar or other electronic detection. Research in antidetection technology began soon after radar was invented. In World War II the Germans coated their U-boat snorkels with radar-absorbent material. By the end of the 20th century the U.S. had developed models of stealth technology, including the F-117 Nighthawk fighter-bomber and the B-2 Spirit strategic bomber. The aircraft featured surface materials and coatings that absorbed radar transmissions, faceted or rounded surfaces that reduced radar reflections, and shielded engine exhausts that reduced infrared radiation. Stealth technology has also been incorporated into the design of naval submarines and surface vessels.