aileron

What is another word for aileron? Here is its meaning, with related words and examples.

Noun — An aileron is a hinged flap on the back edge of an aircraft wing that the pilot moves to control the plane's roll.

We haven't recorded synonyms for aileron yet. You can still read its full definition, where it comes from, or words that rhyme with it.

How to use aileron

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

move the aileron aileron control wing aileron jammed aileron

It's a technical aviation term, not used in everyday conversation outside that context.

Etymology

Aileron was borrowed from French, where it is a diminutive of aile, meaning wing, and originally described the tip of a bird's wing used to steer its flight. The word first appeared in print in the 7th edition of Cassell's French-English Dictionary in 1877, and it began to be used for the part of an aeroplane wing arou...

Full origin of aileron →

Frequently asked questions

What does aileron mean?

It's the hinged control surface on the trailing edge of an aircraft wing, moved to make the plane roll left or right.

Where does the word aileron come from?

It comes from French aile, meaning wing, and was originally a term for the tip of a bird's wing before it was applied to aircraft.

Does aileron have any meaning outside aviation?

Yes, in architecture it can describe a half gable, for example at the end of a penthouse roof or along a church aisle.

Nearby words

← Back to the full definition of aileron