ground loop

noun

: a sharp uncontrollable turn made by an aircraft on the ground and usually caused by an unbalanced drag (as from a wingtip touching the ground)

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Through a lease program, the company would own the ground loop in partnership with a capital group, which the homeowner could lease with an opportunity to buy. Jennifer Castenson, Forbes, 28 Dec. 2022 As further insurance, a ground loop cooling system is being installed under the building that can be powered up to keep the ground frozen if winters become too warm, Crandall said. Lisa Demer, Anchorage Daily News, 7 July 2017 Tail-dragger airplanes—that is, airplanes with the main gear in front and a tail wheel behind—are particularly susceptible to ground looping. Eric Tegler, Ars Technica, 18 Sep. 2019

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

Word History

First Known Use

1928, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ground loop was in 1928

Dictionary Entries Near ground loop

Cite this Entry

“Ground loop.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ground%20loop. Accessed 25 Mar. 2023.

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