Definition
parafoils
noun
- Plural of parafoil; lightweight, flexible airfoils (wing-like structures) made of fabric and used in parachutes, kites, or aircraft to generate lift without rigid frames.
Usage: technical; aeronautics
Examples
- The parafoils on the parachute allowed the skydiver to steer and control descent.
- Modern parafoils are used in recreational kites because they are stable and easy to maneuver.
- The aircraft's parafoils provided lift while remaining lightweight and compact.
- Parafoils have become popular in extreme sports like speedflying and paramotoring.
- The design of parafoils makes them ideal for emergency recovery systems on spacecraft.