volplane

[ vol-pleyn ]

verb (used without object)

, vol·planed, vol·plan·ing.

1. to glide toward the earth in an airplane, with no motor power or with the power shut off.

noun

1. a glide in an airplane.

Other Words From

• volplanist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of volplane¹

1905–10; < French vol plané glided flight, equivalent to vol flight (noun derivative of voler < Latin volāre to fly) + plané, past participle of planer to glide ( plane ¹ )

Example Sentences

Andy attempted some volplane skits that were fairly hair-raising.

From Project Gutenberg

When they had mounted to a considerable height, Alfred shut off the engines and allowed her to volplane toward the sea.

From Project Gutenberg

Would it last until the storm had passed, or would they be obliged to volplane down into that seething tempest?

From Project Gutenberg

The volplane was so steep that it seemed that nothing could prevent the monoplane from being dashed to bits upon the earth.

From Project Gutenberg

At any rate, his engine was going perfectly, so he was not required to attempt a difficult volplane with a dead engine.

From Project Gutenberg