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Glite Dictionary
orthopter

orthopter

9.9
A flying machine that moves by flapping wings like a bird or insect
  • noun
  • /ˈɔrθəptər/
  • Specialized
: ortóptero
  • Unlike regular airplanes, an orthopter uses flapping wings to create lift.

Examples

  • Unlike traditional airplanes, an orthopter generates lift and thrust through wing motion.

  • The inventor designed an orthopter capable of lifting a single passenger.

  • Early aviation pioneers often experimented with orthopters inspired by the flight of birds.

  • The orthopter soared gracefully through the sky.

  • Many engineers are fascinated by the design of an orthopter.

  • Early aviation pioneers often experimented with orthopters that flapped their wings like birds.

  • The inventor built an orthopter that could lift one person into the air.

Synonyms

ornithopter
vsorthopter
  • Specialized
1 9.9

A flying machine that moves by flapping wings like a bird

is heavier than air and imitates both birds and insects

Surface Forms

orthopter singular
orthopters plural

Etymology

Orthopter comes from Greek parts: the ending -pter means 'wing', as in helicopter, and the start ortho- means 'straight' or 'right'. So an orthopter is a 'wing' machine that flies by flapping wings like birds or insects rather than by fixed airplane wings, which helps explain its modern meaning.