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Glite Dictionary
gyroplane

gyroplane

2 9.8
A small aircraft with blades that turn freely for lift and a propeller to move it forward
  • noun
  • /ˈdʒaɪrəˌpleɪn/
  • Specialized
translation icon : giroplano
  • And because they fly in a constant state of autorotation, even a total engine failure results in a parachute-like descent, say the makers of the Sport Copter gyroplane.
  • gyroplane flight
  • fly a gyroplane

Examples

  • Pilots appreciate the gyroplane for its fuel efficiency during long flights.

  • While gyroplanes found a niche in the 1930s, efforts to perfect proper helicopters continued to sputter.

    Academic text (2003)

  • The cardinal virtue of the gyroplane is its ability to do nearly everything a helicopter can do at less cost.

    Academic text (2008)

  • Meanwhile, many gyroplanes can be purchased and operated for less than some motorcycles.

    Academic text (2008)

  • The Sport Copter II gyroplane features side-by-side cockpit seating and an enclosed cabin and engine.

    Academic text (2008)

  • The rotating wings of the gyroplane are free-spinning, meaning it can't hover, though it can come close to it because it needs very little forward speed to stay airborne.

    Academic text (2008)

  • The gyroplane is designed to take off and land in small spaces, making it ideal for remote locations.

  • With a gyroplane, you can experience flying in a way that feels as if you are gliding through the air.

Synonyms

autogyro
vsgyroplane
  • Specialized
1 9.9

An aircraft with blades that spin without engine power to lift it and a propeller that moves it forward

is identical in meaning but calls the propeller conventional rather than engine-driven

Surface Forms

gyroplane singular
gyoplanes plural

Morphology

gyroplane = gyro + plane (semi-transparent) = gyro + plane

The compound is literally 'gyro' + 'plane' (a plane using a rotating rotor), but the element 'gyro' may be unfamiliar or ambiguous to many learners (or confused with the food 'gyro'), so the relation is not fully transparent to a B1 learner.

Etymology

Gyroplane joins gyro- ('circle' or 'turn') and plane (as in 'airplane'). It names an aircraft whose big blades spin in a circle to lift it while a propeller pushes it forward, so the name tells you how it flies.