Definition

1. Noun:
   • A steep, accelerated descent of an aircraft: A "power dive" is a maneuver in which an airplane dives steeply toward the ground, with its engine providing full or increased power to accelerate the descent beyond what gravity alone would produce.

Usage

• The term "power dive" is used specifically in aviation to describe a controlled, high-speed diving maneuver. It contrasts with a glide or idle-power descent.
• It is a compound noun. The primary meaning is the aviation maneuver.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The pilot executed a power dive to quickly lose altitude and gain speed.
  • During the airshow, the stunt plane's dramatic power dive thrilled the crowd.

Advanced Usage

• The concept can be used metaphorically to describe any situation where something plummets or descends rapidly with added force or momentum.
  • The company's stock price went into a power dive after the scandal was announced.

Variants and Related Words

• Dive (noun/verb): A general term for a steep descent. A "power dive" is a specific type of dive.
• Nosedive (noun/verb): Often implies an uncontrolled or disastrous steep fall. A "power dive" is typically a controlled maneuver.
• Power-dive (verb): The act of performing this maneuver.
  • The fighter pilot power-dived toward the target.

Synonyms

• Steep dive: A general synonym, though it lacks the specific connotation of engine power.
• Bombing run: In a military context, a similar high-speed descent toward a target, though often ending in a pull-up or weapon release.

Antonyms

• Climb: A gain in altitude.
• Glide: A controlled descent with little or no engine power.
• Level flight: Flight at a constant altitude.

Noun

1. a dive of an airplane that is accelerated both by gravity and by the power of the engine