aircraft etymology

Etymology

The word "aircraft" is a combination of two Latin words:

  • Aer (meaning "air")
  • Navis (meaning "ship")

Meaning

An aircraft is a vehicle that travels through the air. It differs from a spacecraft, which travels through outer space.

Origin

The term "aircraft" was first used in the early 1900s to describe flying machines that used wings to generate lift. The term was popularized by Wilbur and Orville Wright, who used it to describe their Wright Flyer in 1903.

Other Terminology

In addition to "aircraft," there are several other terms used to refer to vehicles that fly. These terms include:

  • Airplane: A fixed-wing aircraft that is powered by an engine.
  • Helicopter: A rotary-wing aircraft that is powered by an engine.
  • Jet: A fixed-wing aircraft that is powered by a jet engine.

aircraft relate terms

  • aorta

    Etymology Greek ἀορτή aortē Meaning The main artery that carries oxygenat

  • loft

    Etymology Middle English loft from Old Norse lopt floor of a barn Proto Germanic

  • craft

    Etymology Old English cræft from Proto Germanic kraptiz meaning strength powe

  • airplane

    Etymology Old French avion c 13th century Medieval Latin avis bird Meaning

  • takeoff

    Etymology of Takeoff Takeoff is a compound word derived from two Old English words

  • air raid

    Etymology The term air raid is a compound word derived from two sources Air Refers

  • kamikaze

    Etymology The word kamikaze 神風 is derived from Japanese and consists of two char

  • pinpoint

    Etymology Pin Middle English from Old English pinn of Celtic origin related to Welsh

  • crash

    Etymology The word crash derives from the Old English word crascian which means to

  • carrier

    Etymology Old French carier Latin carrus cart chariot iarius suffix denoting r

  • nose

    Etymology The word nose is derived from the Old English word nosu which is thought t

  • fleet

    Etymology The word fleet has its origins in the Old English word fleotan meaning t