air-cushion

A worker inflates an air-cushion to protect a fragile item.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A cushion filled with air: "air-cushion" refers to a soft, inflatable pad or support that uses trapped air to provide comfort or buoyancy.
   • A device for reducing impact: In technology, an "air-cushion" is a system that uses compressed air to absorb shock or create a friction-reducing layer, as in hovercraft or packaging.

Usage Examples

• (A soft, inflatable pad used for medical comfort.)
• (A layer of compressed air that lifts the vehicle.)

Advanced Usage

• "air-cushion vehicle" (ACV) : a vehicle that rides on a cushion of air, such as a hovercraft.

  • The military uses air-cushion vehicles for amphibious operations. (Vehicles that travel on a pressurized air layer.)

• "air-cushion packaging" : protective material that uses air-filled cushions to safeguard items during shipping.

  • The fragile vase was wrapped in air-cushion packaging to prevent breakage. (Inflatable plastic cushions used in boxes.)

Variants and Related Words

• Air cushion (n): the same as "air-cushion," often written as two words without a hyphen.
  • The seat has an air cushion for extra comfort. (A cushion filled with air.)
• Air-cushioned (adj): equipped with or supported by an air cushion.
  • The air-cushioned sole of the shoe reduces impact while running. (The sole contains air-filled padding.)

Synonyms

• Inflatable cushion: a cushion that can be filled with air.
• Pneumatic cushion: a cushion that uses compressed air (technical term).

Phrasal Verbs

• (None directly related to "air-cushion" as a noun; however, the verb "cushion" can be used:)
  • Cushion against: to protect or reduce the effect of something.

    • The air-cushion cushions the rider against bumps. (The air layer absorbs shocks.)

Related Idioms

• (No common idioms directly associated with "air-cushion"; it is a technical or descriptive term.)