relative wind

[ wind ]

noun

1. the velocity or direction of airflow with respect to the body it surrounds, especially an airfoil.

Word History and Origins

Origin of relative wind¹

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

"The identified trends between the measured total damping and wind speed for different relative wind directions indicate that the amplitude of the lateral building motion, rather than aerodynamic wind characteristics, primarily influence the observed variation in the modal damping."

From Science Daily

“Angle of attack,” as Travis defines, refers to the angle between the wing and the relative wind blowing over it.

From Salon

My senses were overwhelmed by the relative wind at terminal velocity, a feeling not of falling but of flying.

From Time

And while they presumably throw with as much speed as they can, they can increase the discus's relative wind speed by throwing it into the wind as much as possible.

From Reuters

When the operator judges that his speed is sufficient, and this depends upon the velocity of the wind as well as that of the car moving against the wind, he quickly causes the front of the flying-machine to tip upward, so that the relative wind striking on the under side of the planes or carrying surfaces shall lift the flying machine into the air.

From Project Gutenberg