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Glite Dictionary
empennage

empennage

1 9.9
The tail part of a plane with small flat parts that help keep it steady
  • noun
  • /ˌɛmpəˈnɑːʒ/
  • Specialized
translation icon : empennaje
  • Note the square tips on the wings and empennage of the P-51.

Examples

  • EMPENNAGE.

    Akeelah and the Bee (2006)

  • The Curtis P-40 Warhawk had rounded wing tips and empennage.

    Blog text (34)

  • The empennage of the aircraft is designed to provide stability during flight.

  • Pilots must understand the function of the empennage to ensure safe takeoffs and landings.

  • He inspected the empennage carefully to check for any signs of damage after the flight.

Synonyms

tail
vsempennage
421 1.0

The rear part of an animal or object that sticks out at the end

refers specifically to aircraft rear stabilizing surfaces rather than any rear part
tail assembly
vsempennage
  • Specialized
7.0

The rear part of a plane that helps it stay steady and turn

is a more technical term for the same rear stabilizing surfaces

Surface Forms

empennage singular
empennages plural

Etymology

Empennage comes from the French verb empenner meaning 'to feather', from penne for 'feather'. Like the feathers on the back of an arrow that keep it steady, the empennage is the aircraft's tail assembly that keeps the plane steady and easy to control.