control surface

noun

: a movable airfoil designed to change the attitude of an aircraft

Examples of control surface in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Handling and Focus: Fast Focus, Few Controls The 17mm F1.8 II only has one control surface, its manual focus ring. PCMAG, 12 Feb. 2025 Similar to the Rafale, the 10X has multiple control surfaces on the wings that act independently—commanded by its fly-by-wire system—for greater maneuverability, a feature no other competitor offers. Julie Boatman, Robb Report, 18 Jan. 2025 Their wings and all control surfaces appear to be in the same horizontal plane. David Axe, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2024 The control surfaces were so massive that a bespoke powered hydraulic system was needed for the pilot to move them. David Szondy, New Atlas, 25 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for control surface

Word History

First Known Use

1910, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of control surface was in 1910

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Cite this Entry

“Control surface.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/control%20surface. Accessed 2 Mar. 2025.

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