dihedral

[ dahy-hee-druhl ]

adjective

1. having or formed by two planes.
2. of or relating to a dihedron.

noun

1. dihedron.
2. Aeronautics. the angle at which the right and left wings or the halves of any other horizontal surface of an airplane or the like are inclined upward or downward.

dihedral

/ daɪˈhiːdrəl /

adjective

1. having or formed by two intersecting planes; two-sided

   a dihedral angle

noun

1. Also calleddihedrondihedral angle the figure formed by two intersecting planes
2. the US name for corner
3. the upward inclination of an aircraft wing in relation to the lateral axis Compare anhedral

dihedral

/ dī-hē′drəl /

1. Formed by a pair of planes or sections of planes that intersect.

Word History and Origins

Origin of dihedral¹

First recorded in 1790–1800; di- ¹ + -hedral

Example Sentences

“Precisely. I suggest going with a Seagull. Remember to line up the wing flaps for good balance. Set the dihedral angle flat or slightly up, the vertical stabilizers to approximately forty-five degrees to the plane of the wings...”

From Literature

This is called dihedral, and it keeps the plane from entering a death spiral and helps it fly better also.

From New York Times

There are exhilarating G-forces in all directions, and the visual of McLaren’s upswinging dihedral doors.

From New York Times

Stabilized, their bodies assume a graceful dihedral curve that maximizes their ability to soar.

From Washington Times

In flight they form a shallow “v” or dihedral shape and tend to hold that shape even as they tilt precariously in wind gusts.

From Washington Times