airfoil

noun

air·​foil ˈer-ˌfȯi(-ə)l How to pronounce airfoil (audio)
: a body (such as an airplane wing or propeller blade) designed to provide a desired reaction force when in motion relative to the surrounding air

Examples of airfoil in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Note the airfoil, which is a specific wing shape that helps keep a plane in the air. Craig Merrett, Discover Magazine, 25 Mar. 2024 Lower pressure is created on the top of the airfoil compared to the pressure on the bottom. Craig Merrett, Discover Magazine, 25 Mar. 2024 This differs substantially from conventional aircraft, which rely on airfoils—structures designed to generate lift. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 4 Jan. 2023 The center of pressure for an airfoil, however, is locked in place and does not change with the angle of attack. Sarah Wells, Popular Mechanics, 9 Aug. 2023 See all Example Sentences for airfoil 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'airfoil.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1919, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of airfoil was in 1919

Dictionary Entries Near airfoil

Cite this Entry

“Airfoil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/airfoil. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

airfoil

noun
air·​foil -ˌfȯil How to pronounce airfoil (audio)
: an airplane surface (as a wing or rudder) designed to produce reaction from the air through which it moves

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