aeronautics

UK: ˌeərəˈnɔːtɪks | US: ˌerəˈnɑːtɪks

Definition

  1. n. The science or practice of travel through the air, including the design and operation of aircraft.

Structure
aero <air>naut <sailor>ics <study of>
Etymology

The word "aeronautics" combines three morphemes:

  1. "Aero" derives from Greek "aēr" (ἀήρ), meaning "air."
  2. "Naut" comes from Greek "nautēs" (ναύτης), meaning "sailor," often used in words related to navigation (e.g., "nautical").
  3. "Ics" is a suffix from Greek "-ika," denoting a field of study (e.g., "physics," "mathematics").
    The term emerged in the 19th century as aviation technology advanced, blending the concept of "air" with "navigation" to describe the science of flight.
Examples

  1. Modern aeronautics relies heavily on computer simulations for aircraft design.

  2. She pursued a degree in aeronautics to become an aerospace engineer.

  3. The museum’s exhibit showcased the history of aeronautics from the Wright brothers to space travel.

  4. Advances in aeronautics have made air travel safer and more efficient.

  5. His research in aeronautics contributed to breakthroughs in supersonic flight.