downforce
noun
down·force
ˈdau̇n-ˌfȯrs 
: 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
By 1972, there was more focus on creating downforce than reducing drag.
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Jonathan M. Gitlin, Ars Technica, 16 Oct. 2023
Other Enzo highlights include onboard pushrod suspension, Ferrari’s first-ever use of carbon-ceramic brakes on a road car, and active aerodynamics that combine to produce 1,709 pounds of downforce at 186 mph.
—Michael Van Runkle, Robb Report, 3 Nov. 2023
Its massive chin, extreme diffuser, and big rear wing provide tons of downforce, and the grille shape and round taillights are obvious GT-R cues.
—Daniel Golson, The Verge, 27 Oct. 2023
But at 124 mph, the RS gains roughly 900 pounds (that's the downforce number most will exploit).
—K.c. Colwell, Car and Driver, 31 Aug. 2023
It's fitted with a standard air suspension and features all sorts of active aerodynamic elements such as front-grille shutters, a rear diffuser, and a rear spoiler that deploys to create more downforce at speed.
—Joey Capparella, Car and Driver, 7 Sep. 2023
These elements, which also include a larger front and rear diffuser, combine to produce 1,940 pounds of downforce at 155 mph.
—Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 17 Aug. 2023
The Agil's straight-line performance is likely held back by the substantial rear wing that can shift forward to act as an air brake and apply even more downforce when slowing for a corner.
—Caleb Miller, Car and Driver, 16 Aug. 2023
To eliminate wind lift—where strong gusts can blow the wiper off the windshield—this blade uses an asymmetric spoiler to create uniform levels of downforce across the wiper.
—Matt Crisara, Popular Mechanics, 12 Jan. 2023
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Jonathan M. Gitlin, Ars Technica, 16 Oct. 2023
Other Enzo highlights include onboard pushrod suspension, Ferrari’s first-ever use of carbon-ceramic brakes on a road car, and active aerodynamics that combine to produce 1,709 pounds of downforce at 186 mph.
—Michael Van Runkle, Robb Report, 3 Nov. 2023
Its massive chin, extreme diffuser, and big rear wing provide tons of downforce, and the grille shape and round taillights are obvious GT-R cues.
—Daniel Golson, The Verge, 27 Oct. 2023
But at 124 mph, the RS gains roughly 900 pounds (that's the downforce number most will exploit).
—K.c. Colwell, Car and Driver, 31 Aug. 2023
It's fitted with a standard air suspension and features all sorts of active aerodynamic elements such as front-grille shutters, a rear diffuser, and a rear spoiler that deploys to create more downforce at speed.
—Joey Capparella, Car and Driver, 7 Sep. 2023
These elements, which also include a larger front and rear diffuser, combine to produce 1,940 pounds of downforce at 155 mph.
—Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 17 Aug. 2023
The Agil's straight-line performance is likely held back by the substantial rear wing that can shift forward to act as an air brake and apply even more downforce when slowing for a corner.
—Caleb Miller, Car and Driver, 16 Aug. 2023
To eliminate wind lift—where strong gusts can blow the wiper off the windshield—this blade uses an asymmetric spoiler to create uniform levels of downforce across the wiper.
—Matt Crisara, Popular Mechanics, 12 Jan. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'downforce.' 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
1938, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near downforce
Cite this Entry
“Downforce.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/downforce. Accessed 7 Dec. 2023.
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