aeronautics

[air-uh-naw-tiks, -not-iks]

noun

(used with a singular verb)

1. the science or art of flight.

aeronautics

/ ˌɛərəˈnɔːtɪks /

noun

1. (functioning as singular) the study or practice of all aspects of flight through the air

aeronautics

1. The design, construction and operation of aircraft.

2. The scientific study of flight through the atmosphere.

Word History and Origins

Origin of aeronautics¹

1820–25; < New Latin aeronautica or French aéronautique; aero-, nautical, -ics

Example Sentences

His 16-year-old, he added, hoped to study aeronautics — an impossibility in Syria.

From Los Angeles Times

MIT aeronautics professor R. John Hansman said that it's important to take stock of safety concerns, but also to recognise that the American aviation system is one of the safest in the world.

From BBC

“Twenty years ago, you would not have characterized the space business as fast moving,” said Daniel Hastings, professor of aeronautics and astronautics at MIT.

From Seattle Times

"Just like phyllo dough flakes apart, composite layers can peel apart because this interlaminar region is the Achilles' heel of composites," says Brian Wardle, professor of aeronautics and astronautics at MIT.

From Science Daily

He then became an aeronautics engineer for Northrop Corporation, which later became Northrop Grumman, and other defense contractors.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• aviation