chandelle

[ shan-del, shahn- ]

noun

1. an abrupt climbing turn in which an aircraft almost stalls while using its momentum to gain a higher rate of climb.

verb (used without object)

, chan·delled, chan·dell·ing.

1. to perform a chandelle.

chandelle

/ ʃænˈdɛl; ʃɑ̃dɛl /

noun

1. aeronautics an abrupt climbing turn almost to the point of stalling, in which an aircraft's momentum is used to increase its rate of climb

verb

1. intr to carry out a chandelle

Word History and Origins

Origin of chandelle¹

1915–20; < French: literally, candle

Word History and Origins

Origin of chandelle¹

French, literally: candle

Example Sentences

I will go now and then to stay at people's houses, but not to their parties—le jeu ne vaut pas la chandelle.

From Project Gutenberg

Clever men soon learn that it's not worth their while to play a part; le jeu ne vaut pas la chandelle.

From Project Gutenberg

A noble cause for such an act of unconscious cerebration you will say, a freshly washed pavement: Le jeu ne faut pas la chandelle.

From Project Gutenberg

He seemed to have expended his stock of French; for "Snuff the chandelle" is not pure Parisian.

From Project Gutenberg

They did a lazy circle of the room, swung into an echelon and performed a slow chandelle, before dropping into Bobby's hand.

From Project Gutenberg