aerodynamics

noun

aero·​dy·​nam·​ics ˌer-ō-dī-ˈna-miks How to pronounce aerodynamics (audio)
plural in form but singular or plural in construction
1
: a branch of dynamics that deals with the motion of air and other gaseous fluids and with the forces acting on bodies in motion relative to such fluids
2
: the qualities of an object that affect how easily it is able to move through the air
The aerodynamics … turned out to be better than his engineers promised. The 777 was so slippery that its cruise speed was upped from .83 Mach to .84 …Clive Irving
aerodynamic adjective
or less commonly aerodynamical
aerodynamically adverb

Did you know?

Aerodynamics began as a science around the time of the Wright brothers' first manned flights. Since then, it's become important to the building not only of aircraft and automobiles but also of rockets and missiles, trains, ships, and even such structures as bridges and tall buildings, which often have to withstand strong winds. An aerodynamic vehicle is one whose design helps it achieve the greatest speed and most efficient use of fuel. But although we might casually call any sleek car design aerodynamic, true aerodynamics is practiced not by artistic product designers but instead by highly trained scientists, and many people's lives depend on their work.

Examples of aerodynamics in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web So, there are fewer dead bugs regardless of aerodynamics. Andrew Van Dam, Washington Post, 21 Oct. 2022 Therefore these professionals, who have expertise in areas such as aerodynamics or engine performance, are among a new breed of professionals known as citizen data scientists. Joel Shapiro, Forbes, 26 Jan. 2023 The North American approach is to ignore aerodynamics and put in bigger batteries. Lloyd Alter, Treehugger, 25 Jan. 2023 The lightweight carbon Weissach Edition package was an $84,000 factory option, which revised aerodynamics and added a plethora of carbon fiber to the body. Jack Fitzgerald, Car and Driver, 22 Dec. 2022 Expect more experiments dealing with the mechanics of flight, as researchers focus more and more on detailed aerodynamics in sussing out flight's origins. Veronique Greenwood, Discover Magazine, 24 June 2011 The two bikes look quite similar to one another, but the aerodynamics have been refined some. Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 9 Nov. 2022 The Mercedes-AMG EQS combines bar-of-soap aerodynamics with menacing matte paint and more power than a mid-'90s F1 car. Jonathan M. Gitlin, Ars Technica, 15 Dec. 2022 The platform motion may cause higher forces on the blades and tower, and more complicated and unsteady aerodynamics. Matthew Lackner, Fortune, 9 Dec. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'aerodynamics.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

aero- + dynamics entry 1 (on the model of hydrodynamics)

First Known Use

circa 1829, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of aerodynamics was circa 1829

Dictionary Entries Near aerodynamics

Cite this Entry

“Aerodynamics.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aerodynamics. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

aerodynamics

noun
aero·​dy·​nam·​ics ˌar-ō-dī-ˈnam-iks How to pronounce aerodynamics (audio)
ˌer-
: a science that deals with the motion of fluids (as air) that are gases and with the forces acting on bodies exposed to them
aerodynamic adjective

Medical Definition

aerodynamics

noun, plural in form but singular or plural in construction
aero·​dy·​nam·​ics -dī-ˈnam-iks How to pronounce aerodynamics (audio)
: a branch of dynamics that deals with the motion of air and other gaseous fluids and with the forces acting on bodies in motion relative to such fluids
aerodynamic adjective
also aerodynamical
aerodynamically adverb
aerodynamicist noun

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