aerodynamic
Americanadjective
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having the effect of reducing the drag on an object as it moves through the air or as air flows around it.
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of, relating to, or informed by the science of aerodynamics.
Explanation
If something is aerodynamic, it's designed to move efficiently through air. If a baseball were square instead of round, it would be much less aerodynamic — and nearly impossible to throw straight. Race cars, sleek and low to the ground, are more aerodynamic than the family minivan — in other words, their shape puts up much less resistance to the air that flows around them. It's why they can go so fast. Anything that moves smoothly through the air is aerodynamic, from a greyhound to a racing bike to a golf ball. Aerodynamic combines the Greek aero-, "air," and dynamic, "pertaining to mechanical forces."
Vocabulary lists containing aerodynamic
Elements of the Universe: Aer, Aero ("Air")
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aer, aero
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This Week in Words: Current Events Vocab for March 16–March 22, 2025
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The speed brakes are panels that create aerodynamic drag, or thrust reversers, which redirect air to lower the plane’s speed while landing, the WSJ’s Andrew Tangel and Alyssa Lukpat write.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 9, 2026
As Falcon Heavy accelerates through Earth's atmosphere, Roman will experience powerful sound waves, aerodynamic pressure, and significant heating.
From Science Daily ● Aug. 26, 2026
This year's F1 championship introduced the biggest rule change in the sport's history, with new aerodynamic and engine regulations.
From BBC ● Jul. 29, 2026
Kerr’s sponsor, Brooks, worked with him to create an aerodynamic speed suit.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 22, 2026
When it was finished, it looked up and everything fell into place, and it showed itself for what it was: a smooth, beautiful, aerodynamic airship.
From "Life of Pi" by Yann Martel
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
