Flight: Glossary

A

aeronautics

the science of dealing with the building and flying of aircraft

air currents

heat rising from the surface of the earth causes air to move; sometimes forming rivers of air and wind

analyzed

to study carefully

anatomy

the study or science of the structure of plants and animals

B

bamboo

a woody tropical grass

blimps

a small dirigible

C

commercial planes

airplanes used for making income such as a plane for carrying passengers or cargo

D

dirigible

an early aircraft — its name comes from a Latin word meaning to be able to be directed or steered

G

glider

an aircraft which typically is not powered but instead glides on the air

gliding flight

flight by heavier-than-air animals or machines without the use of self- or engine-powered thrust

I

intercontinental

between or among continents

O

outcomes

the end result

P

processes

a series of actions

properties

in science - the way something is described - such as its size, color, shape or weight

S

structures

something built or constructed

T

technically

of or pertaining to a specific topic

theories

ideas

thermals

heated air that rises off the earth - birds will ride these columns of air

true flight

sustained, self- or engine-powered motion through the air

U

updrafts

see thermals

Z

zeppelin

a large dirigible