airframe

noun

air·​frame ˈer-ˌfrām How to pronounce airframe (audio)
: the structure of an aircraft, rocket vehicle, or missile without the power plant
also : aircraft

Examples of airframe in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web It should be noted that airframes are used to save weight. Ryan Erik King / Jalopnik, Quartz, 21 Oct. 2024 And if all else fails, the plane has a manually deployable airframe parachute. Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 15 Oct. 2024 The company’s aluminum and titanium structural components are used in commercial and military aircraft—as well as precision fasteners and installation tools for airframe structures. Michael Khouw, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2024 Russian Stealth Advances Stealth is achieved mainly by careful shaping of the airframe, avoiding straight lines and sharp corners which reflect radar. David Hambling, Forbes, 8 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for airframe 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'airframe.' 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

1930, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of airframe was in 1930

Dictionary Entries Near airframe

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

airframe

noun
air·​frame ˈa(ə)r-ˌfrām How to pronounce airframe (audio)
ˈe(ə)r-
: the structure of an aircraft, rocket vehicle, or missile without the engine and related parts

More from Merriam-Webster on airframe

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