aileron

[ ey-luh-ron ]

noun

1. Aeronautics. a movable surface, usually near the trailing edge of a wing, that controls the roll of the airframe or effects maneuvers, as banks and the like.
2. a wall at the end of a roof with a single slope, as that of a church aisle.

aileron

/ ˈeɪlərɒn /

noun

1. a flap hinged to the trailing edge of an aircraft wing to provide lateral control, as in a bank or roll

aileron

/ ā′lə-rŏn′ /

1. A hinged surface that is part of the back edge of each wing on an airplane. The ailerons are moved up or down to create uneven lift on the sides of the plane to control its rolling and tilting movements.

Word History and Origins

Origin of aileron¹

1905–10; < French, equivalent to ail ( e ) ( aisle ) + -eron diminutive suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of aileron¹

C20: from French, diminutive of aile wing

Example Sentences

That’s done by turning the pilot control column like a steering wheel, which moves flaps on the wings called ailerons to turn.

From Seattle Times

All major portions of both planes, except for the right wing and aileron of the PA-28, were recovered from the lake and held for further examination, officials said.

From Seattle Times

Crews have identified the propeller and the flight box and are looking for the ailerons, which control the roll of the plane.

From Seattle Times

“Look at the outboard ailerons, man,” he said as it landed with a puff of smoke from its tires.

From New York Times

And many pilots started their training in a flight simulator game to learn about airspeed and ailerons.

From BBC