Fluid Mechanics Glossary

noun a small opening or hole, especially one in the body such as a nostril or the mouth

adjective relating to an opening or hole, especially in the body

• The doctor examined the patient's nasal orifice for signs of infection.
• Make sure to clean out your ear orifice regularly to prevent wax build-up.
• I can't believe he stuck his finger in her mouth orifice!
• The company's financial losses were like a gaping orifice that couldn't be stopped.

noun a swishing, splashing sound or movement

verb to splash or move with a sloshing sound

• The sound of sloshing water could be heard as the bucket was carried across the room.
• Be careful not to slosh your drink while walking with it.
• I accidentally sloshed my coffee all over my shirt this morning.
• Emotions sloshed around inside her, making it hard to focus on anything else.

noun a structure with curved surfaces designed to give the most favorable ratio of lift to drag in flight, typically a wing or tail surface of an aircraft

• The airfoil shape of an airplane wing helps generate lift during flight.
• The airfoil design of the wing makes the plane fly smoothly.
• Check out the cool airfoil on that aircraft's wing!
• Her words were like an airfoil, lifting his spirits and carrying him through the tough times.