heavier-than-air

[ hev-ee-er-thuhn-air ]

adjective

1. (of an aircraft) weighing more than the air that it displaces, hence having to obtain lift by aerodynamic means.

heavier-than-air

adjective

1. having a density greater than that of air
2. of or relating to an aircraft that does not depend on buoyancy for support but gains lift from aerodynamic forces

Word History and Origins

Origin of heavier-than-air¹

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

Altogether, it was not until the nineteenth century that any real progress toward flight in a heavier-than-air machine was made.

From Project Gutenberg

The huge machine was christened the Langley after one of the early experimenters with the heavier-than-air machine.

From Project Gutenberg

It was, without shadow of doubt, the last word in the science and manufacture of a heavier-than-air machine.

From Project Gutenberg

He showed that a heavier-than-air machine would sustain itself in the air if it could only be driven fast enough.

From Project Gutenberg

It would seem to be equally essential in the case of heavier-than-air machines, but this point is still debated.

From Project Gutenberg