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Glite Dictionary
ski-plane

ski-plane

6.7
An airplane with skis that lands and takes off on snow or ice
  • noun
  • /ˈskiˌpleɪn/
  • UK
translation icon : aeroplano de esquí
  • During our expedition, we flew in a ski-plane to reach the icy peaks of the Arctic region.

Examples

  • Our expedition was supplied with food and gear delivered by a ski-plane.

  • Many ski-planes are designed for extreme winter conditions.

  • During winter, the only access to the village is by ski-plane or snowmobile.

  • The scientists arrived at the remote Arctic research station by ski-plane.

  • The ski-plane took off smoothly from the snowy runway.

  • The researchers used a ski-plane to transport their equipment to the remote snowy mountain.

  • The ski-plane glided smoothly over the snow as it prepared for landing on the frozen lake.

Synonyms

aircraft
vsski-plane
818 2.5

A machine that flies like an airplane or helicopter

is a specific kind modified with skis for snow or ice operations
aeroplane
vsski-plane
  • UK
14 1.3

A machine with wings and an engine that flies to carry people or goods

is adapted with skis to land and take off on snow or ice

Surface Forms

ski-plane singular
ski-planes plural
skiplanes plural
skiplane singular

Morphology

ski-plane = ski + plane (transparent) = ski + plane

The compound directly names a plane equipped with skis; a learner who knows 'ski' and 'plane' can infer the meaning.

Etymology

Ski-plane comes from ski, a 'long board for moving on snow', and plane, short for 'airplane', so picture a flying machine with skis on its wheels; that's why a ski-plane is an airplane fitted with skis to land and take off on snow or ice.