triplane
Definition
Noun: A triplane is an aircraft with three sets of wings, one above the other, typically arranged in a staggered configuration. This design was common in early aviation, especially during World War I, to provide greater lift and maneuverability.
Usage Examples
- (A historical aircraft with three wings.)
- (Comparing aircraft designs.)
- (A preserved example of this type.)
Advanced Usage
"Triplane configuration": refers to the specific arrangement of three wings.
- Engineers studied the triplane configuration to understand its aerodynamic advantages. (The wing layout of a triplane.)
"Triplane design": the engineering blueprint for such an aircraft.
- The triplane design fell out of favor as monoplanes became more efficient. (The concept of three-winged planes.)
Variants and Related Words
Biplane (n): an aircraft with two sets of wings.
- The biplane was a common design before the triplane. (A two-winged aircraft.)
Monoplane (n): an aircraft with a single set of wings.
- Modern jets are all monoplanes. (A one-winged aircraft.)
Triplanar (adj): relating to or having three planes or surfaces (used in geometry or engineering, not aviation).
- The sculpture had a triplanar form. (Three flat surfaces.)
Synonyms
- Three-winged aircraft: a descriptive phrase for a triplane.
- Tri-wing: an informal term for a triplane.
Related Idioms
Phrasal Verbs