airfoil

American  

[air-foil] / ˈɛərˌfɔɪl /

noun

Aeronautics.

1. any surface, as a wing, aileron, or stabilizer, designed to aid in lifting or controlling an aircraft by making use of the air currents through which it moves.

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airfoil British  

/ ˈɛəˌfɔɪl /

noun

1. Also called: aerofoil.  a cross section of an aileron, wing, tailplane, or rotor blade

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airfoil Scientific  

/ âr′foil′ /

1. A structure having a shape that provides lift, propulsion, stability, or directional control in a flying object. An aircraft wing provides lift by causing air to pass at a higher speed over the wing than below it, resulting in greater pressure below than above. Propellers are airfoils that are spun rapidly to provide propulsion.

2. See more at Bernoulli effect See Note at aerodynamics

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Etymology

Origin of airfoil

First recorded in 1920–25; air ¹ + foil ²

Example Sentences

A seafaring albatross, stretching out its sail-like airfoils, lives a very different life from a ground-dwelling antpitta with its long legs and short, stubby wings that it uses in rare, short bursts of flight.

From Science Daily

While many studies have evaluated these fringes using flat plates and airfoils, their exact mechanisms and effects on the interactions of feathers and the different wing features in real owl wings remained unknown.

From Science Daily

Purchasing new machines would increase capacity to meet higher demand for the company's airfoils used in engine compressors, but Delic wants a long-term commitment from buyers.

From Reuters

A few miles away, Howmet, where my father worked next, made airfoils, rings, disks, forgings and other parts for airplanes, including the infamous F-35 fighter jet.

From New York Times

“I often say it’s like seeing a car parked on the side of the road with racing slicks and racing stripes and an airfoil on the back and a big engine,” Ray said.

From Seattle Times