aerodynamics

[ air-oh-dahy-nam-iks ]

noun

, (used with a singular verb)

1. the branch of mechanics that deals with the motion of air and other gases and with the effects of such motion on bodies in the medium. Compare aerostatics ( def 1 ).

aerodynamics

/ ˌɛərəʊdaɪˈnæmɪks /

noun

1. functioning as singular the study of the dynamics of gases, esp of the forces acting on a body passing through air Compare aerostatics

aerodynamics

/ âr′ō-dī-năm′ĭks /

1. The study of the movement of air and other gases. Aerodynamics includes the study of the interactions of air with moving objects, such as airplanes, and of the effects of moving air on stationary objects, such as buildings.

aerodynamics

1. The branch of science devoted to the study of the flow of gas es around solid objects. It is especially important in the design of cars and airplanes, which move through the air.

Notes

A vehicle that has been built to minimize friction with the air is said to be aerodynamically designed.

Derived Forms

• ˌaerodyˈnamicist, noun
• ˌaerodyˈnamic, adjective
• ˌaerodyˈnamically, adverb

Other Words From

• aero·dy·namic aero·dy·nami·cal adjective
• aero·dy·nami·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of aerodynamics¹

First recorded in 1830–40; aero- + dynamics

A Closer Look

The two primary forces in aerodynamics are lift and drag. Lift refers to (usually upward) forces perpendicular to the direction of motion of an object traveling through the air. For example, airplane wings are designed so that their movement through the air creates an area of low pressure above the wing and an area of high pressure beneath it; the pressure difference produces the lift needed for flight. This effect is typical of airfoil design. Drag forces are parallel and opposite to the object's direction of motion and are caused largely by friction. Large wings can create a significant amount of lift, but they do so with the expense of generating a great deal of drag. Spoilers that are extended on airplane wings upon the vehicle's landing exploit this tradeoff by making the wings capable of high lift even at low speeds; low landing speeds then still provide enough lift for a gentle touchdown. Aeronautical engineers need to take into account such factors as the speed and altitude at which their designs will fly (lower air pressures at high altitudes reduce both lift and drag) in order to optimally balance lift and drag in varying conditions.

Example Sentences

New regulations in 2026 see a much more efficient engine and tweaks to the aerodynamics and tyres, which F1 and the sport’s governing body the FIA hope will improve the show yet further.

From BBC

Add to that a motorsport which relies heavily on aerodynamics to make the cars jaw-droppingly fast around corners - but difficult to follow behind in order to overtake - and you start to see why the sport has often swung from one 0-0 draw to another over the years.

From BBC

But some of Red Bull’s apparent lack of understanding of how to fix their car’s problems surely will be, for Newey combines a genius for aerodynamics with unrivalled experience, great expertise and insight as a race engineer, and what Damon Hill describes as a "unique gift" for understanding what drivers need from their cars.

From BBC

As he pointed out, the new aerodynamics rules for 2026 will be released at the beginning of January, and he does not start work until March.

From BBC

He joins forces again with technical director Dan Fallows, who was head of aerodynamics at Red Bull under Newey before joining Aston Martin in early 2022.

From BBC

Related Words

• aeronautics
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