1. Plural of autogiro; aircraft with a rotor that spins freely to provide lift, propelled by a conventional engine and propeller.
Usage: Also spelled 'autogyros'; Aviation term

Examples

• The museum displayed several vintage autogiros from the 1930s.
• Autogiros require shorter takeoff distances than conventional airplanes.
• Early aviation pioneers experimented with autogiros as an alternative to helicopters.
• The design of autogiros allows them to descend safely even with engine failure.
• Modern autogiros are used for surveillance and recreational flying.