aerodynamics

American  

[air-oh-dahy-nam-iks] / ˌɛər oʊ daɪˈnæm ɪks /

noun

(used with a singular verb)

1. the branch of mechanics that deals with the motion of air and other gases and with the effects of such motion on bodies in the medium.

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aerodynamics British  

/ ˌɛərəʊdaɪˈnæmɪks /

noun

1. (functioning as singular) the study of the dynamics of gases, esp of the forces acting on a body passing through air Compare aerostatics

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aerodynamics Scientific  

/ âr′ō-dī-năm′ĭks /

1. The study of the movement of air and other gases. Aerodynamics includes the study of the interactions of air with moving objects, such as airplanes, and of the effects of moving air on stationary objects, such as buildings.

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aerodynamics Cultural  

1. The branch of science devoted to the study of the flow of gas es around solid objects. It is especially important in the design of cars and airplanes, which move through the air.

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Closer Look

The two primary forces in aerodynamics are lift and drag. Lift refers to (usually upward) forces perpendicular to the direction of motion of an object traveling through the air. For example, airplane wings are designed so that their movement through the air creates an area of low pressure above the wing and an area of high pressure beneath it; the pressure difference produces the lift needed for flight. This effect is typical of airfoil design. Drag forces are parallel and opposite to the object's direction of motion and are caused largely by friction. Large wings can create a significant amount of lift, but they do so with the expense of generating a great deal of drag. Spoilers that are extended on airplane wings upon the vehicle's landing exploit this tradeoff by making the wings capable of high lift even at low speeds; low landing speeds then still provide enough lift for a gentle touchdown. Aeronautical engineers need to take into account such factors as the speed and altitude at which their designs will fly (lower air pressures at high altitudes reduce both lift and drag) in order to optimally balance lift and drag in varying conditions.

Discover More

A vehicle that has been built to minimize friction with the air is said to be aerodynamically designed.

Other Word Forms

• aerodynamic adjective
• aerodynamical adjective
• aerodynamically adverb
• aerodynamicist noun

Etymology

Origin of aerodynamics

First recorded in 1830–40; aero- + dynamics

Explanation

In physics, aerodynamics is the study of how things move through air. Car engineers consider aerodynamics when they design the shape of a vehicle. Aerodynamics is both the science of the way air moves, and also simply the way an object's shape affects how it moves through the air. Much of the design of airplanes focuses on the aerodynamics of their wings and noses, keeping them aloft and moving quickly through the air. The word aerodynamics has been around since the mid-1800s, combining the Greek prefix aero-, "air," and dynamics, a word applied to many branches of physics, from the Greek dynamikos, "powerful."

Example Sentences

"But physics doesn't change. The teardrop shape is very efficient from the aerodynamics perspective," said Hu.

From Barron's • Apr. 4, 2026

“It just cannot be done. In order to understand bird flight, we have to understand aerodynamics; only then do the structure of feathers and the different shapes of birds’ wings make sense.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 29, 2026

The results of these tests are then used to enhance the aerodynamics of the car and improve its performance on the track.

From BBC • Mar. 4, 2026

As teams start from scratch this year with a new car, engine and active aerodynamics, how will the drivers' and constructors' championships look when the curtain falls in December after 24 races?

From BBC • Mar. 1, 2026

Two days a week after work, Dorothy and the other new girls filed into a makeshift classroom at the laboratory for a full immersion in the fundamental theory of aerodynamics.

From "Hidden Figures" by Margot Lee Shetterly

Related Words

• aeronautics
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