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par·a·chute

(părə-sht′)

1. An apparatus used to retard free fall from an aircraft, consisting of a light, usually hemispherical canopy attached by cords to a harness and worn or stored folded until deployed in descent.

2. Any of various similar unpowered devices that are used for retarding free-speeding or free-falling motion.

v. par·a·chut·ed, par·a·chut·ing, par·a·chutes

v.tr.

To drop (supplies or troops, for example) by means of a parachute.

v.intr.

To descend by means of a parachute.

[French : para(sol), parasol; see PARASOL + chute, fall; see CHUTE.]

par′a·chutic adj.

para·chut′ist, para·chut′er n.

Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices

Thousands of entries in the dictionary include etymologies that trace their origins back to reconstructed proto-languages. You can obtain more information about these forms in our online appendices:

Indo-European Roots

Semitic Roots

The Indo-European appendix covers nearly half of the Indo-European roots that have left their mark on English words. A more complete treatment of Indo-European roots and the English words derived from them is available in our Dictionary of Indo-European Roots.

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