parafoil

noun

para·​foil

ˈparəˌfȯil

: a self-inflating fabric device that resembles a parachute, behaves in flight like an airplane wing, is maneuverable, is capable of landing a payload at slow speed, and can be launched from the ground in a high wind like a kite

Word History

Etymology

para- (as in parachute entry 1) + -foil (as in airfoil)

First Known Use

1967, in the meaning defined above

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