Definition

1. Noun:
   • A vehicular brake that operates by compressed air; especially for heavy vehicles: A type of braking system that uses compressed air to apply force to the brake pads or shoes, commonly found on trucks, buses, and trains.
   • A small parachute or articulated flap to reduce the speed of an aircraft: A device on an aircraft, such as a flap or a small parachute, that is deployed to increase drag and reduce speed, especially during landing or descent.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The truck's reliable airbrake system is essential for safely stopping such a heavy load.
  • The pilot deployed the airbrake to increase drag and slow the plane for its final approach.

Advanced Usage

• "to deploy the airbrake": To activate or extend the airbrake on an aircraft.
  • The test pilot deployed the airbrake to manage the aircraft's speed during the high-speed dive.
• "airbrake failure": A malfunction of the compressed-air braking system in a vehicle.
  • The investigation focused on the catastrophic airbrake failure that led to the accident.

Variants and Related Words

• Air brake (n): An alternative spelling for the same device.
• Speed brake (n): A term often used synonymously with the aircraft device, particularly for flaps or spoilers.
• Drogue parachute (n): A specific type of airbrake that is a small parachute used for stabilization or deceleration.

Synonyms

• Retarder (n): A device used to slow a vehicle, often used in the context of heavy trucks.
• Spoiler (n): A type of aircraft airbrake that disrupts airflow over a wing.
• Drag chute (n): A parachute used as an airbrake on certain aircraft.

Related Phrases

• "to apply the airbrakes": To use the compressed-air braking system in a vehicle.
  • The driver had to apply the airbrakes firmly to avoid the obstacle.
• "airbrake authority": The effectiveness or control provided by an aircraft's airbrake.
  • The new design gives the pilot greater airbrake authority at low speeds.

Noun

1. a vehicular brake that operates by compressed air; especially for heavy vehicles
2. a small parachute or articulated flap to reduce the speed of an aircraft