boundary layer

noun

Updated on: 20 Apr 2018

Definition of boundary layer

: a region of fluid (such as air) moving relative to a nearby surface (such as that of an airplane wing) that is slowed by the viscosity of the fluid and its adhesion to the surface

Recent Examples of boundary layer from the Web

The forecast called for more on and off snow showers through the early afternoon and the focus was along the lakefront because of boundary layer convergence and the influence of a northeast wind off the lake,’’ Scott said.

— david haugh, chicagotribune.com, "Snow job? Cubs postpone while White Sox play — and both teams made right call," 9 Apr. 2018
The ability to fly low in a hurricane reveals details about the engine of a hurricane: the boundary layer where warm evaporating water energizes the clouds above.

— joe pappalardo, Popular Mechanics, "NOAA's Revolutionary Hurricane-Hunting Drone Program Is Broke," 2 Oct. 2017
The boundary layer also makes them unsuited for desert climates, where the insulation puts them at risk of daytime overheating.

— jason daley, Smithsonian, "Why Are Some Leaves Massive and Others Minuscule?," 1 Sep. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'boundary layer.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.