Pronunciation: /ˈɛroʊˌbreɪk/

Definitions of aerobrake

noun a device or technique used in spacecraft to reduce speed by using the atmosphere's drag

Example Sentences

A1 An aerobrake is a device used to slow down a spacecraft.

A2 The aerobrake deployed successfully, allowing the spacecraft to enter orbit.

B1 The aerobrake system was activated to reduce the speed of the spacecraft during reentry.

B2 The aerobrake maneuver was crucial for the safe landing of the space shuttle.

C1 The aerobrake technology has revolutionized the way spacecraft navigate through the atmosphere.

C2 The engineers fine-tuned the aerobrake system to ensure precise control during descent.

verb to slow down a spacecraft by using aerodynamic drag

Example Sentences

A1 The spaceship had to aerobrake to slow down before entering the planet's atmosphere.

A2 The pilot aerobraked the aircraft to reduce speed during descent.

B1 In order to save fuel, the spacecraft used aerobraking to slow down and enter orbit around the planet.

B2 The space probe successfully aerobraked around the gas giant, allowing it to study the atmosphere up close.

C1 Aerobraking is a common technique used by spacecraft to adjust their trajectory and conserve fuel.

C2 The engineers carefully calculated the aerobraking maneuver to ensure the spacecraft safely entered orbit around the moon.

Examples of aerobrake in a Sentence

formal The spacecraft used an aerobrake maneuver to slow down and enter orbit around the planet.

informal The ship did an aerobrake thing to slow down and get into orbit.

slang The rocket did some aerobrake stuff to slow down and go into orbit.

figurative Using humor as an aerobrake, he gently slowed down the tense situation.

Grammatical Forms of aerobrake

past tense

aerobraked

plural

aerobrakes

comparative

more aerobrake

superlative

most aerobrake

present tense

aerobrakes

future tense

will aerobrake

perfect tense

has aerobraked

continuous tense

is aerobraking

singular

aerobrake

positive degree

aerobrake

infinitive

to aerobrake

gerund

aerobraking

participle

aerobraking

Origin and Evolution of aerobrake

First Known Use: 1959 year
Language of Origin: English
Story behind the word: The word 'aerobrake' originates from the combination of 'aero-' from aerodynamics and 'brake' from braking or slowing down.
Evolution of the word: Initially used in the context of spacecraft maneuvering to slow down by utilizing atmospheric drag, the term 'aerobrake' has evolved to also refer to the process of using atmospheric drag to slow down spacecraft for orbital insertion or reentry into a planetary atmosphere.