parachute

¹para·chute

noun \ˈper-ə-ˌshüt, ˈpa-rə-\

Definition of PARACHUTE

1

: a device for slowing the descent of a person or object through the air that consists of a fabric canopy beneath which the person or object is suspended

2

: patagium

3

: a device or structure suggestive of a parachute in form, use, or operation

— para·chut·ic \ˌper-ə-ˈshü-tik, ˌpa-rə-\ adjective

Examples of PARACHUTE

1. The pilot was wearing a parachute.
2. The supplies were dropped by parachute.

Origin of PARACHUTE

French, from para- (as in parasol) + chute fall — more at chute

First Known Use: 1785

Other Aeronautics/Aerospace Terms

airway, apron, corridor, dirigible, fishtail, flat-hat, vector

Rhymes with PARACHUTE

absolute, Aleut, arrowroot, Asyût, attribute, autoroute, bandicoot, bathing suit, birthday suit, bitterroot, bodysuit, boilersuit, bumbershoot, business suit, comminute, constitute, contribute, convolute, destitute, disrepute, dissolute, execute, follow suit, gingerroot, hot pursuit, institute, involute, kiwifruit, leisure suit, malamute, overshoot, passion fruit, persecute, point-and-shoot, prosecute, prostitute, qiviut, resolute, restitute, revolute, run-and-shoot, rural route, subacute, substitute, troubleshoot, undershoot