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sweepback

[ sweep-bak ]

noun

, Aeronautics.
  1. the shape of, or the angle formed by, an airplane wing or other airfoil the leading or trailing edge of which slopes backward from the fuselage.


sweepback

/ ˈswiːpˌbæk /

noun

  1. the rearward inclination of a component or surface, such as an aircraft wing, fin, etc
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Word History and Origins

Origin of sweepback1

First recorded in 1915–20; noun use of verb phrase sweep back
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Example Sentences

When the wings are fully extended, they have hardly any sweepback, and the airplane looks oddly oldfashioned.

Sweepback is meant to minimize the dangerous effects of shock waves at high speed.

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