noun
- a structure with curved surfaces designed to give the most favorable ratio of lift to drag when moving through air
Usage: aeronautics
Examples
- The airplane’s wings are shaped like airfoils to generate lift.
- Engineers tested different airfoil designs in the wind tunnel.
- The helicopter’s rotor blades use an airfoil shape to create upward force.
- Modern airfoils are designed using computer simulations.
- The airfoil’s curved upper surface helps reduce air pressure above the wing.
- Wind turbine blades also use airfoil technology to capture energy efficiently.