释义 |
para·chute I. \ˈparəˌshüt also ˈper-; usu -üd.+V\ noun Usage: often attributive Etymology: French, from para- (as in parasol) + chute fall — more at parasol, chute 1. : a folding umbrella-shaped device usually made of light fabric for retarding the speed of a body attached to it by offering resistance to the air and used especially for making a safe descent from an airplane, dropping equipment or supplies from an airplane, or slowing down an airplane upon landing 2. : the patagium of a mammal or reptile 3. a. : a device or structure suggestive of a parachute in form, use, or operation (as to retard the descent of a cage in a mine or to protect the balance wheel of a watch from shock) b. : the inverted cup acting as the holding part of a mushroom anchor c. : the tuft of hairs enabling a dandelion seed to float in air 4. : parachute spinnaker • parachutic adjective II. verb (-ed/-ing/-s) transitive verb : to convey by means of a parachute intransitive verb : to descend by or as if by means of a parachute |