Definitions

from the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English.

  • noun a small parachute or articulated flap to reduce the speed of an aircraft.
  • noun a vehicular brake that operates by compressed air; especially for heavy vehicles. Same as air brake.
  • noun an atomizer to spray by means of compressed air.

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • noun A brake (slowing device) that is operated pneumatically (by air pressure).
  • noun A moving part of an aircraft wing to reduce lift and airspeed.

from WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.

  • noun a vehicular brake that operates by compressed air; especially for heavy vehicles
  • noun a small parachute or articulated flap to reduce the speed of an aircraft

Etymologies

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Examples

  • Now that I have a garage I can get to work installing that and also doing the fender/mudflap/airbrake eliminator, the aluminum footpegs, the clear taillight, and finally removing the big catfish lower lip from under the nose of the bike.

    kevynwight Diary Entry kevynwight 2005

  • From "Erie Railroad Magazine" Volume 24 (April 1928), No. 2, pp. On the last day of April [1928] occurs the 28th anniversary of the death of Casey Jones, probably the most famous of a long line of locomotive engineer heroes who have died at their post of duty, one hand on the whistle and the other on the airbrake lever.

    Casey Jones Bluesman Harry 1998

  • This model had a retractable airbrake mounted well aft, almost underneath the exhaust nozzles, and the undercarriage folded backward and inward instead of forward and inward: there were also six underwing missile pylons, which had been adapted to sling centre-line fuel tanks to complement the wing pods.

    The Sinkiang Executive Hall, Adam 1978

  • Likewise, when George Westinghouse, inventor of the airbrake, having finally persuaded the directors of the Pennsylvania Railroad, after many futile attempts in other directions, to grant him an opportunity to try out his invention, and, trying it out -- on a string of cars near

    Opportunities in Engineering

  • When they got to that she grips the seat in front and glues her eyes on them two that was swappin 'the long, lingerin' breakaway tackles, and every once in awhile she heaves up a sigh like cuttin 'out an airbrake.

    Torchy Sewell Ford 1907

  • And the gasp that gets out of Peyton sounds like openin 'an airbrake.

    Torchy and Vee Sewell Ford 1907

  • He had time to yell at his fireman, to fling himself upon the throttle-bar and to set the airbrake before he began to turn Irish handsprings down the embankment; but the wrecking crew camped two whole days at Delhi gathering up the debris.

    The Grafters Francis Lynde 1893

  • As the traditional safeguard of minorities and as a compressed airbrake on majority action, silence became more powerful than words.

    History of the United States, Volume 5 (of 6) Elisha Benjamin Andrews 1880

  • Car has mid 12's in it, I have the wing (it's adjustable) at it's steepest angle, it's basically an airbrake at higher speeds.

    NASIOC 05wagon 2010

  • Being a brakeman in the days before the automatic airbrake was pretty dangerous work, but this guy's blues don't seem too bad: after all, he'll be in New Orleans eating dinner and picking up strange women by nightfall.

    The 9513 2010

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