airfoil Definition
a surface, such as a wing, rudder, or stabilizer, that is designed to aid in lifting or controlling an aircraft by making use of the air currents around it.
Using airfoil: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "airfoil" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The airplane's airfoils help it stay aloft.
Example
The design of the airfoil affects the performance of the aircraft.
Example
The engineers tested different airfoil shapes in a wind tunnel.
airfoil Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with airfoil
NACA airfoil
an airfoil shape developed by the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) that has a precise mathematical formula and is widely used in aircraft design
Example
The NACA airfoil is known for its high lift-to-drag ratio.
an airfoil shape that is identical above and below its chord line, producing no lift at zero angle of attack
Example
A symmetrical airfoil is often used in aerobatic aircraft because it allows for inverted flight.
an airfoil shape that has a curved upper surface and a flat or slightly curved lower surface, producing lift even at zero angle of attack
Example
A cambered airfoil is commonly used in general aviation aircraft because it provides good lift and stability.
Origins of airfoil
from air + foil, meaning 'something that serves as a contrast to or accent for something else'
Summary: airfoil in Brief
An 'airfoil' [ˈɛrˌfɔɪl] is a surface, such as a wing or rudder, that is designed to aid in lifting or controlling an aircraft by making use of the air currents around it. The design of the airfoil affects the performance of the aircraft, and there are different types of airfoils, such as the NACA airfoil, symmetrical airfoil, and cambered airfoil. 'Airfoil' is synonymous with 'wing,' 'blade,' and 'vane.'
