airstair

noun

air·​stair ˈer-ˌster How to pronounce airstair (audio)
plural airstairs
: a built-in or movable set of stairs that is used to allow people to enter and exit an aircraft
often plural
The plate acted like a gate latch, preventing the airstairs from being lowered in flight.Steve Martini, The Rule of Nine, 2010

Word History

First Known Use

1960, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of airstair was in 1960

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Cite this Entry

“Airstair.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/airstair. Accessed 8 Dec. 2024.

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