downwash

[ doun-wosh, -wawsh ]

noun

, Aeronautics.

1. a deflection of air downward relative to an airfoil that causes the deflection.

downwash

/ ˈdaʊnˌwɒʃ /

noun

1. the downward deflection of an airflow, esp one caused by an aircraft wing

Word History and Origins

Origin of downwash¹

First recorded in 1910–15; down ¹ + wash

Example Sentences

James told investigators that as he came into land, he didn’t see the other helicopter departing and was focused on the landing site and on managing the downwash of his rotors to avoid a pleasure boat crossing through the approach path.

From Seattle Times

A windy day means downwash is dispersed much faster than on a calm day, and that allows the helicopter to fly closer to the AC75s, Monk said.

From New York Times

And then there is the downwash, or wind generated by the blades, which is a unique problem when filming a sailing race since the pilot must avoid interfering in the competition in any way.

From New York Times

The condition causes a helicopter to descend in the downwash of its rotor blades and makes it vulnerable to “uncommanded pitch and roll oscillations.”

From Washington Times

He explained: "We have tried in the past many different solutions, coatings on cables, heating systems, even helicopters to come and try to blow all the snow and ice off with downwash, but it is a very difficult problem."

From BBC