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Glite Dictionary
sweptwing

sweptwing

7.7
A plane with wings that slant backward to help it fly faster
  • adjective
  • /swɛptwɪŋ/
  • Specialized
translation icon : ala retrocedida
  • The engineers decided to use a sweptwing design to enhance the aircraft's speed and stability.

Examples

  • Many modern fighter jets feature a sweptwing configuration.

  • The sweptwing design allows for greater aerodynamic efficiency.

  • Many jet fighters are equipped with sweptwing structures to reduce air resistance at high velocities.

  • The distinctive look of the sweptwing plane made it stand out on the runway.

  • Many modern fighter jets feature a sweptwing configuration to enhance their high-speed performance.

  • The engineers decided to use a sweptwing design for the aircraft to improve its speed and maneuverability.

  • The distinctive look of the sweptwing aircraft contributes to its aerodynamic advantages at high velocities.

Synonyms

sweptback
vssweptwing
  • Specialized
7.7

Wings that are angled backward from their base to help a plane fly faster

focuses specifically on improving high-speed performance
swept
vssweptwing
  • Specialized
6.5

A wing that slants backward to help a plane fly faster

is specific to aircraft design that improves high-speed performance

Surface Forms

sweptwing positive

Morphology

sweptwing = swept + wing (semi-transparent) = swept + wing

The components are clear, but the specific aerodynamic meaning of 'sweptwing' is specialized and not immediately obvious from the parts.

Etymology

Sweptwing joins swept ('moved back') and wing ('the part of a plane that makes it fly'). Think of hair or a scarf 'swept back' by wind — the wings are swept back to cut through the air and go faster, so a sweptwing design improves high-speed performance.