Word Study
helicopter
CIDE DICTIONARY
helicopter, n. [NL., fr. Gr. "e`lix, "e`likos, a spiral + ptero`n a wing.].
a heavier-than-air aircraft whose lift is provided by the aerodynamic forces on rotating blades rather than on fixed wings. Contrasted with fixed-wing aircraft . [PJC]
helicopter, v. i.
to travel in a helicopter. [PJC]
helicopter, v. t.
to transport in a helicopter. [PJC]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
helicopter, n. & v.
--n. a type of aircraft without wings, obtaining lift and propulsion from horizontally revolving overhead blades or rotors, and capable of moving vertically and horizontally.
--v.tr. & intr. transport or fly by helicopter.
--n. a type of aircraft without wings, obtaining lift and propulsion from horizontally revolving overhead blades or rotors, and capable of moving vertically and horizontally.
--v.tr. & intr. transport or fly by helicopter.
Etymology
F h{eacute}licopt{egrave}re f. Gk helix (see HELIX) + pteron wing
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