parachute

The definition of a parachute is a cloth device that is used to slow the fall of a person or thing, especially from an airplane.

(noun)

The canopy that floats above a skydiver at the end of the fall is an example of a parachute.

Parachute is to drop out of the sky and fall slowly with the help of a cloth device that is designed to slow a person's fall.

(verb)

To fall from an airplane with a special backpack and cloth device that can slow you down is an example of parachute.

See parachute in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

a cloth contrivance usually shaped like an umbrella when expanded, and used to retard the falling speed of a person or thing dropping from an airplane, etc.: it is generally carried folded in a pack, from which it is released by a rip cord or other device
something shaped like or having the effect of a parachute
Zool. patagium (sense )

Origin: Fr: see para- (sense ) & chute

transitive verb, intransitive verb parachuted, parachuting

to drop or descend by parachute

See parachute in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

An apparatus used to retard free fall from an aircraft, consisting of a light, usually hemispherical canopy attached by cords to a harness and worn or stored folded until deployed in descent.
Any of various similar unpowered devices that are used for retarding free-speeding or free-falling motion.

verb par·a·chut·ed, par·a·chut·ing, par·a·chutes

verb, transitive

To drop (supplies or troops, for example) by means of a parachute.

verb, intransitive

To descend by means of a parachute.

Origin:

Origin: French

Origin: : para(sol), parasol; see parasol

Origin: + chute, fall; see chute

Related Forms: