An aircraft is any machine designed for flight, which can include airplanes, helicopters, drones, gliders, and hot air balloons. These machines vary greatly in size, purpose, and construction but share the ability to fly. Aircraft are used in a wide range of fields, including transportation, defense, recreation, and scientific research. The design of aircraft has evolved significantly since the first successful flight, with modern technology allowing for faster, safer, and more efficient machines. Aircraft are often powered by engines, though some, like gliders, rely on aerodynamic principles for flight.
Word 'aircraft' in Other Languages
- aircraft in Assamese অসমীয়া
- aircraft in Bengali বাংলা
- aircraft in Bodo बड़ो
- aircraft in Dogri डोगरी
- aircraft in English
- aircraft in Gujarati ગુજરાતી
- aircraft in Hindi हिन्दी
- aircraft in Kannada ಕನ್ನಡ
- aircraft in Kashmiri कॉशुर
- aircraft in Konkani कोंकणी
- aircraft in Maithili মৈথিলী
- aircraft in Malayalam മലയാളം
- aircraft in Manipuri মৈতৈলোন্
- aircraft in Marathi मराठी
- aircraft in Nepali नेपाली
- aircraft in Oriya ଓଡ଼ିଆ
- aircraft in Punjabi ਪੰਜਾਬੀ
- aircraft in Sanskrit संस्कृतम्
- aircraft in Santali
- aircraft in Sindhi سنڌي
- aircraft in Tamil தமிழ்
- aircraft in Telugu తెలుగు
- aircraft in Urdu اُردُو
Aircraft
Part of Speech
Noun
Pronunciation
/ˈɛə.krɑːft/
Definitions
- Noun: A vehicle that is capable of flying through the air, such as an airplane, helicopter, or drone.
- Noun: Any machine or device designed for flight, including lighter-than-air crafts like balloons.
Usage Examples
- The aircraft soared high above the clouds, enjoying clear skies.
- The military uses aircraft for transport, reconnaissance, and combat missions.
Etymology
The word "aircraft" is a combination of "air," referring to the atmosphere or the sky, and "craft," meaning a vehicle or vessel. The term was first used in the early 20th century, coinciding with the development of powered flight. Initially, it was used to describe any flying machine, but over time, it has come to specifically refer to airplanes and other aerial vehicles used for various purposes, such as transportation, warfare, or recreation.
Synonyms
- Plane
- Airplane
- Helicopter
- Jet
- Glider
- Drone
Antonyms
- Ground vehicle
- Ship
- Submarine
Translations
| Language | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Spanish | Aeronave | /aɛɾoˈnaβe/ |
| French | Aéronef | /aeʁɔnɛf/ |
| German | Flugzeug | /fluːkˌtsoʏk/ |
| Italian | Aeromobile | /aɛɾoˈmɔbile/ |
| Chinese | 飞机 (Fēijī) | /feɪ˥˩ tʂi˥˥/ |
| Hindi | विमान (Vimān) | /ˈʋɪːmɑːn/ |
Regional Pronunciation Variations
- American English: /ˈɛə.krɑːft/
- British English: /ˈɛə.krɑːft/
- Australian English: /ˈɛə.krɑːft/
Historical Usage
The term "aircraft" was coined in the early 20th century as flight technology began to emerge. The Wright brothers’ success with the first powered airplane in 1903 marked the beginning of a new era for aircraft, transforming how they were viewed and utilized. Initially used to refer to various types of flying machines, the term has since come to represent any machine that is capable of flight, including airplanes, helicopters, and drones.
Cultural Nuances
Aircraft have become a cultural icon, symbolizing progress, technological advancement, and human achievement. In many countries, airplanes represent the ability to travel globally and have become an essential part of modern life. The role of aircraft in warfare has also had profound effects on global politics, while aviation has influenced cultural developments such as air travel tourism and international trade.