sweepback

[ sweep-bak ]

noun

, Aeronautics.

1. the shape of, or the angle formed by, an airplane wing or other airfoil the leading or trailing edge of which slopes backward from the fuselage.

sweepback

/ ˈswiːpˌbæk /

noun

1. the rearward inclination of a component or surface, such as an aircraft wing, fin, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of sweepback¹

First recorded in 1915–20; noun use of verb phrase sweep back

Example Sentences

When the wings are fully extended, they have hardly any sweepback, and the airplane looks oddly oldfashioned.

From Time Magazine Archive

Sweepback is meant to minimize the dangerous effects of shock waves at high speed.

From Time Magazine Archive