Definition

Noun 1. A movable airfoil that is part of an aircraft wing; used to increase lift or drag: Flaps are hinged surfaces on the trailing edge of an aircraft's wings. Pilots extend them to change the wing's shape, which increases lift at low speeds (like during takeoff and landing) or increases drag to help slow the aircraft.

Usage

• Flaps are a critical component for aircraft control during specific phases of flight.
• The term is typically used in its plural form, "flaps," even when referring to the system as a whole.
• It is a technical term primarily used in aviation contexts.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The pilot lowered the flaps to prepare for landing.
  • During takeoff, the flaps are partially extended to provide additional lift.
  • One of the flaps was damaged, forcing the plane to make an emergency landing.

Advanced Usage

• "To deploy/extend/lower the flaps": To activate the mechanism that moves the flaps downward from the wing.
• "To retract/raise the flaps": To pull the flaps back up into their stowed position against the wing.
• "Flap setting": Refers to the specific angle or degree to which the flaps are extended (e.g., "flaps 10," "flaps 30").

Variants and Related Words

• Flap (noun, singular): Can refer to a single movable section on one wing, though the plural "flaps" is more common for the system. Also has general meanings like a flat, hinged piece or the action of moving loosely.
• Aileron (noun): A different type of movable surface on the wing, primarily used to roll or bank the aircraft.
• Slat (noun): A movable airfoil on the leading edge of a wing, often used in conjunction with flaps to improve low-speed performance.

Synonyms

• High-lift devices: A broader technical term for aerodynamic surfaces like flaps and slats.
• Control surfaces: A general term for movable parts like flaps, ailerons, and rudders that control an aircraft's flight.

Related Phrases

• "Flaps are down": A phrase indicating the flaps are in the extended position.
• "Full flaps": Indicates the flaps are extended to their maximum angle.

Noun

1. a movable airfoil that is part of an aircraft wing; used to increase lift or drag