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.
Controls Are Kept to a Minimum The 10-18mm's small barrel makes for tight control surfaces, so Sigma omits an aperture ring, a focus toggle, function buttons, and other useful on-barrel controls. PCMAG, 2 Dec. 2024 Their design is sleek and practical, with a touch-sensitive control surface that's easy to use. Shubham Yewale, PCMAG, 24 July 2024 The test utilized the vehicle’s propellers, control surfaces and ability to float in water, all needed for propelling and steering functions, the agency said. Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY, 26 June 2024 This creates shockwaves, and those are what cause supersonic booms and change the way wings, flaps, and other control surfaces behave in an airplane. Jacek Krywko, Ars Technica, 29 Mar. 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

Dictionary Entries Near control surface

Cite this Entry

“Control surface.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/control%20surface. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!