sweptback

[ swept-bak ]

adjective

, Aeronautics.

1. (of the leading edge of an airfoil) forming a markedly obtuse angle with the fuselage.
2. (of an aircraft or winged missile) having wings of this type.

sweptback

/ ˈswɛptˌbæk /

adjective

1. (of an aircraft wing) having leading edge and trailing edges inclined backwards towards the rear of the fuselage

Word History and Origins

Origin of sweptback¹

First recorded in 1915–20; adj. use of verb phrase swept back