lighter-than-air

[ lahy-ter-thuhn-air ]

adjective

, Aeronautics.

1. (of an aircraft) weighing less than the air it displaces, hence obtaining lift from aerostatic buoyancy.
2. of or relating to lighter-than-air craft.

lighter than air

adjective

1. having a lower density than that of air
2. of or relating to an aircraft, such as a balloon or airship, that depends on buoyancy for support in the air

Word History and Origins

Origin of lighter-than-air¹

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

"The Wright brothers invented the lighter-than-air ship early in the twentieth century," he said.

From Project Gutenberg

This defect was overcome by the use of lighter-than-air gas.

From Project Gutenberg

So are suction, rusting of metals, thunder and lightning and lighter-than-air flying machines.

From Project Gutenberg

His progress had been theirs in the new science of lighter-than-air engineering.

From Project Gutenberg

The development in the near future of long flights over the ocean would seem, therefore, to be confined to lighter-than-air craft.

From Project Gutenberg