Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
dictionary
thesaurus
view recents

ground effect

noun
Save Word

Definition of ground effect

1 : the apparent increase in aerodynamic lift experienced by an aircraft when flying near the ground and observed up to a distance above the ground approximately equal to the wing span
2 : a down force exerted on a racing car by special design features (such as winglike airfoils) that enables it to achieve higher speeds through turns before starting to skid —often used in plural

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Learn More About ground effect

Statistics for ground effect

Cite this Entry

“Ground effect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ground%20effect. Accessed 20 Jun. 2021.

Style: MLA
MLACheck Mark Icon ChicagoCheck Mark Icon APACheck Mark Icon Merriam-WebsterCheck Mark Icon

WORD OF THE DAY

progeny

Listen to the pronunciation of progeny

See Definitions and Examples »

Test Your Vocabulary

Return of Name that Color!

  • a light greenish blue color
  • Name that color:
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Typeshift

Anagram puzzles meet word search.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games