parachute etymology

Etymology:

The word "parachute" is derived from the French word "parachute," which in turn is derived from the Italian word "paracadute," which literally means "against a fall."

Meaning:

A parachute is a device used to slow down the descent of a person or object from a height by creating air resistance. It consists of a large canopy attached to a harness that is worn by the person or attached to the object. When the parachute is opened, it fills with air and creates a large surface area that interacts with the air, causing the descent to be slowed down.

Origin:

The earliest known use of the parachute was by Leonardo da Vinci in the 1500s. He sketched a parachute consisting of a large cloth attached to a wooden frame. However, it was not until the 18th century that the parachute became a practical device.

In 1797, the French inventor André-Jacques Garnerin made the first successful parachute jump from a hot air balloon. He jumped from a height of 2,500 feet (762 meters) and landed safely. This jump popularized the use of the parachute, and it became a valuable tool for aeronauts and aviators.

Over the years, parachutes have evolved significantly, with improvements in design, materials, and safety. Today, parachutes are widely used by skydivers, military personnel, and emergency responders for a variety of purposes.

parachute relate terms

  • chute

    Etymology The word chute comes from the French word chuter which means to fall M

  • shoot

    Etymology Proto Indo European s kew meaning to push throw cast Meaning To

  • chute

    Etymology The word chute comes from the French word chuter which means to fall M

  • parachute

    Etymology The word parachute is derived from the French word parachute which in tur

  • jump

    Etymology The word jump is derived from the Middle English word jumpen which in turn

  • descend

    Etymology Old French descendre Latin descendere De down scandere to climb Me

  • dive

    Etymology The word dive has two distinct etymologies From Middle English diven m

  • plunge

    Etymology The word plunge comes from the Middle English word plongen which is deriv

  • shroud

    Etymology Old English scrūd meaning garment cloak cover Proto Germanic skroud

  • fall

    Etymology Middle English fallen Old English feallan Proto Germanic fallaną Meani

  • glide

    Etymology Old English glīdan from Proto Germanic glīdanan from Proto Indo European

  • canopy

    Etymology Old French canope Late Latin canopeum Greek κωνωπεῖον kōnōpei

  • harness

    Etymology The word harness derives from two possible sources Old French harneis o