Aeroplane \A"["e]r*o*plane`\, n. [A["e]ro- + plane.]
A flying machine, or a small plane for experiments on flying,
which floats in the air only when propelled through it.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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Aeroplane \A"["e]r*o*plane`\, n. [A["e]ro- + plane.]
(A["e]ronautics)
A light rigid plane used in a["e]rial navigation to oppose
sudden upward or downward movement in the air, as in gliding
machines; specif., such a plane slightly inclined and driven
forward as a lifting device in some flying machines; hence, a
flying machine using such a device. These machines are called
monoplanes, biplanes, triplanes, or quadruplanes, according
to the number of main supporting planes used in their
constraction. Being heavier than air they depend for their
levitation on motion imparted by one or more propellers
actuated by a gasoline engine. They start from the ground by
a run on small wheels or runners, and are guided by a
steering apparatus consisting of horizontal and vertical
movable planes. There are many varieties of form and
construction, which in some cases are known by the names of
their inventors.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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