aerodynamics

noun

aero·​dy·​nam·​ics ˌer-ō-dī-ˈna-miks 

plural in form but singular or plural in construction

1

: a branch of dynamics that deals with the motion of air and other gaseous fluids and with the forces acting on bodies in motion relative to such fluids

2

: the qualities of an object that affect how easily it is able to move through the air

The aerodynamics … turned out to be better than his engineers promised. The 777 was so slippery that its cruise speed was upped from .83 Mach to .84 …

—Clive Irving

aerodynamic

ˌer-ō-dī-ˈna-mik 

adjective

or less commonly aerodynamical

ˌer-ō-dī-ˈna-mi-kəl 

aerodynamically

ˌer-ō-dī-ˈna-mi-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Did you know?

Aerodynamics began as a science around the time of the Wright brothers' first manned flights. Since then, it's become important to the building not only of aircraft and automobiles but also of rockets and missiles, trains, ships, and even such structures as bridges and tall buildings, which often have to withstand strong winds. An aerodynamic vehicle is one whose design helps it achieve the greatest speed and most efficient use of fuel. But although we might casually call any sleek car design aerodynamic, true aerodynamics is practiced not by artistic product designers but instead by highly trained scientists, and many people's lives depend on their work.

Examples of aerodynamics in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

So, there are fewer dead bugs regardless of aerodynamics. —Andrew Van Dam, Washington Post, 21 Oct. 2022

Therefore these professionals, who have expertise in areas such as aerodynamics or engine performance, are among a new breed of professionals known as citizen data scientists. —Joel Shapiro, Forbes, 26 Jan. 2023

The North American approach is to ignore aerodynamics and put in bigger batteries. —Lloyd Alter, Treehugger, 25 Jan. 2023

The lightweight carbon Weissach Edition package was an $84,000 factory option, which revised aerodynamics and added a plethora of carbon fiber to the body. —Jack Fitzgerald, Car and Driver, 22 Dec. 2022

Word History

Etymology

aero- + dynamics entry 1 (on the model of hydrodynamics)

First Known Use

circa 1829, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

aerodynamics

noun

aero·​dy·​nam·​ics ˌar-ō-dī-ˈnam-iks 

ˌer-

: a science that deals with the motion of fluids (as air) that are gases and with the forces acting on bodies exposed to them

aerodynamic

-ik 

adjective

Medical Definition

aerodynamics

noun, plural in form but singular or plural in construction

aero·​dy·​nam·​ics -dī-ˈnam-iks 

: a branch of dynamics that deals with the motion of air and other gaseous fluids and with the forces acting on bodies in motion relative to such fluids

aerodynamic

-ik 

adjective

also aerodynamical

-i-kəl 

aerodynamically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

aerodynamicist

-ˈnam-ə-səst 

noun