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multiplane

multiplane

9.4
An aircraft with more than two wings stacked above each other
  • noun
  • /ˈmʌltɪˌpleɪn/
  • Specialized
translation icon : multiplano
  • The museum displays a rare multiplane from the early days of aviation.

Examples

  • Few modern aircraft use the multiplane configuration due to its complexity and drag.

  • Engineers studied the advantages and disadvantages of the multiplane design for increased lift.

  • The multiplane design allows for better lift and stability.

  • Many early aviation pioneers experimented with a multiplane configuration.

  • The museum displays a rare multiplane from the early days of aviation.

  • Engineers studied the advantages and disadvantages of the multiplane design for increased lift.

  • Many early aviation pioneers experimented with a multiplane configuration to improve flight performance.

How Many Wings

multiplane
  • Specialized
9.4
triplane
  • Specialized
7.8
biplane
  • Archaic
5 6.4
monoplane
  • Specialized
1 6.7

Surface Forms

multiplane singular
multiplanes plural

Morphology

multiplane = plane (semi-transparent) = multi + plane

The word is built from multi- + plane, but the aviation sense is specialized and conventional rather than fully predictable for learners.

Etymology

The word multiplane comes from multi- 'many' and plane as in 'airplane', so it can mean 'many planes' or many wings. That's why a multiplane is an aircraft design with more than two main wings one above the other.