glider
UK: ˈɡlaɪdə | US: ˈɡlaɪdər
n. a light aircraft designed to fly without an engine, using air currents to stay aloft
n. a person or thing that glides smoothly and effortlessly
The word "glider" combines the verb "glide," derived from Old English glīdan (meaning "to move smoothly or slip"), with the agentive suffix "-er." The term originally described anything that moves effortlessly, later specializing in aviation to refer to engine-free aircraft. The logic reflects the seamless motion of both the action (gliding) and the object (the aircraft).
The glider soared silently on the thermal updrafts.
She watched the glider descend gracefully onto the field.
The paper glider looped through the air before landing.
Gliders rely on skillful pilots to navigate wind currents.
The bird spread its wings and became a natural glider.