ablator

[ a-bley-ter ]

noun

, Aerospace.

1. ablation3

ablator

/ æbˈleɪtə /

noun

1. the heat shield of a space vehicle, which melts or wears away during re-entry into the earth's atmosphere

Word History and Origins

Origin of ablator¹

ablate + -or ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of ablator¹

C20: from ablation

Example Sentences

The Starliner’s base heat shield has an ablator, a proprietary material that absorbs energy on re-entry and only chars “like a marshmallow,” said David Schiller, leader of Boeing’s commercial crew aerostructures integrated product team.

From Seattle Times

The Starliner’s base heat shield has an ablator, a proprietary material that absorbs energy on reentry and only chars “like a marshmallow,” said David Schiller, leader of Boeing’s commercial crew aerostructures integrated product team.

From Los Angeles Times