Definition

Noun: A rotary wing is the long, airfoil-shaped blade or set of blades that rotates around a central mast to generate the aerodynamic lift required to support a helicopter in flight. It is the primary lifting and propulsion system of a helicopter, distinct from the fixed wings of an airplane.

Usage

The term "rotary wing" refers specifically to the entire rotating lift-producing assembly of a helicopter. It is a technical term used in aviation and engineering contexts. - It is often used interchangeably with "main rotor" or "rotor system," though "rotary wing" emphasizes its function as a rotating airfoil. - It is a singular noun but can refer to a system comprising multiple blades.

Examples

• The helicopter's rotary wing began to spin faster as it prepared for takeoff.
• Engineers conducted stress tests on the new composite materials for the rotary wing.
• A key advantage of a rotary wing is its ability to provide vertical lift and hover.

Advanced Usage

• "rotary-wing aircraft": A class of aircraft that uses rotary wings for lift, such as helicopters and autogyros. This is a compound term where "rotary-wing" acts as an adjective.
  • The military employs various types of rotary-wing aircraft for transport and reconnaissance.

Variants and Related Words

• Rotor (noun): A general term for a rotating part. In aviation, it often refers to the rotary wing system or the tail rotor.
• Main Rotor (noun): The primary rotary wing that provides lift and propulsion for a helicopter.
• Rotor Blade (noun): An individual blade that is part of the rotary wing assembly.
• Rotorcraft (noun): An aircraft that gains lift from one or more rotary wings.

Synonyms

• Main rotor
• Rotor system

Antonyms

• Fixed wing: A rigid, non-rotating airfoil used on conventional airplanes for lift.

Noun

1. the long airfoil that rotates to provide the lift that supports a helicopter in the air