aerodynamic
Shaped for airflow
Aerodynamic describes shapes designed to move through air with minimal resistance.
An aerodynamic car or helmet has smooth, streamlined contours that reduce drag.
The term extends to anything sleek and efficient-looking: The new phone has an aerodynamic profile.
In technical contexts, aerodynamic refers to the physics of air in motion around objects.
Made smooth and efficient
- sleekSmooth and elegant
- teardropSingle unit of crying
- contourBounding line of shape
- profileSide-facing outline
shape · swept-back · tapered · faired · cowling · nosecone · body kit · spoiler
Measure of aerodynamic resistance
- BernoulliMathematician behind lift theory
- boundary layerViscous region near walls
- laminar flowSmooth, parallel fluid motion
- turbulenceChaotic flow patterns
vortex · pressure gradient · wake · downforce · slipstream · air resistance · eddy · circulation
Mechanism for vertical transport
- dragResistance through fluid
- thrustForceful forward motion
- airspeedAircraft's atmospheric velocity
- wingLimb enabling flight
altitude · glide · soar · aircraft · aviation · fuselage · aileron · rudder
Vehicle efficiency rating
- rangeExtent of variation
- mileageDistance traveled by vehicle
- energy conservationUnchanging total in closed systems
streamlined
Made smooth and efficient
profile · shape · swept-back · tapered · faired · cowling · nosecone · body kit · spoiler · diffuser
drag coefficient
Measure of aerodynamic resistance
- BernoulliMathematician behind lift theory
- boundary layerViscous region near walls
- laminar flowSmooth, parallel fluid motion
turbulence · vortex · pressure gradient · wake · downforce · slipstream · air resistance · eddy · circulation
lift
Mechanism for vertical transport
wing · altitude · glide · soar · aircraft · aviation · fuselage · aileron · rudder · flaps
fuel economy
Vehicle efficiency rating
- rangeExtent of variation
- mileageDistance traveled by vehicle
- energy conservationUnchanging total in closed systems
- vehicle adjectivesfast, slow, new, old, used
- car designstreamlined, body lines, roofline, beltline, crease
- scientific adjectivesalkaline, ionic, aquatic, inorganic, metallic
- agilityagile, nimble, quick, lithe, spry
- car typessedan, coupe, hatchback, convertible, SUV
- gear featuresdurable, adjustable, breathable, lightweight, waterproof
- aerodynamic shapeForm minimizing air resistance
- aerodynamic designForm minimizing air resistance
- aerodynamic dragForce resisting motion through air
- aerodynamic liftUpward force from airflow