downforce

down·force | \ ˈdau̇n-ˌfȯrs

How to pronounce downforce (audio)

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Definition of downforce

: a downward aerodynamic force generated especially by an airfoil (such as a spoiler on a race car)

Examples of downforce in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web It's matched with a small wing that's incorporated into the front bumper to provide downforce at the front of the car. — Peter Valdes-dapena, CNN, "This will be the fastest Mini Cooper on the road," 20 Nov. 2019 As IndyCar touted its plans in safety, technology and growth, an emphasis was placed on an upcoming hybrid system and new engine formula for 2022 with lower downforce and an increase toward 900 horsepower. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Column: IndyCar closes season feeling relevant again," 23 Sep. 2019 The rear wing is actually two wings combined and provides aerodynamic downforce at the back of the car to keep it pressed to the ground at high speeds. — Peter Valdes-dapena, CNN, "This will be the fastest Mini Cooper on the road," 20 Nov. 2019 The carbon fiber aerodynamics package produces a maximum of 550 pounds of downforce to keep the GT500 from leaving the ground — at 180 mph. — Mark Phelan, chicagotribune.com, "Auto review: 760-horsepower 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 strikes like lightning," 1 Nov. 2019 The carbon fiber aerodynamics package produces a maximum of 550 pounds of downforce to keep the GT500 from leaving the ground — at 180 mph. — Mark Phelan, Detroit Free Press, "760-horsepower 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 strikes like lightning," 29 Oct. 2019 Elsewhere, the Supra TRD claims a gain in downforce thanks to front and rear valances with taller side flaps at each corner, plus revised side skirts with new flaps aft of the front. — Clifford Atiyeh, Car and Driver, "Toyota Releases TRD Performance Styling Parts for the 2020 Supra," 20 May 2019 Lightweight construction, new suspension and aerodynamic tweaks — even lighter wheels — improve handling and downforce, which pay definite benefits at the racetrack. — Jeff Yip, Houston Chronicle, "Red-carpet rockets: Is 500 hp now theadmission price to supercar club?," 30 Aug. 2019 Traditionally a Gurney flap is a small vertical lip on the trailing edge of a spoiler or wing designed to increase the downforce. — Alexander Stoklosa, Car and Driver, "The 986-HP Ferrari SF90 Stradale Plug-In Hybrid Yanks Maranello Back Into Hypercar Race," 29 May 2019

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

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Last Updated

11 Dec 2019

Cite this Entry

“Downforce.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/downforce. Accessed 13 December 2019.

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