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Definition of parachute - 4 dictionary results
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par⋅a⋅chute

  [par-uh-shoot] noun, verb, -chut⋅ed, -chut⋅ing.
Use parachute in a Sentence
–noun
1. a folding, umbrellalike, fabric device with cords supporting a harness or straps for allowing a person, object, package, etc., to float down safely through the air from a great height, esp. from an aircraft, rendered effective by the resistance of the air that expands it during the descent and reduces the velocity of its fall.
2. parachute brake.
3. Horology. a shockproofing device for the balance staff of a watch, consisting of a yielding, springlike support for the bearing at either end.
4. Informal.
a. the aggregate of benefits, as severance pay or vacation pay, given an employee who is dismissed from a company.
b. golden parachute.
–verb (used with object)
5. to drop or land (troops, equipment, supplies, etc.) by parachute.
–verb (used without object)
6. to descend by parachute.
Origin:
1775–85; < F, equiv. to para- para- 2 + chute fall; see chute 1

Related forms:
par⋅a⋅chut⋅ic, adjective
par⋅a⋅chut⋅ist, par⋅a⋅chut⋅er, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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Skydive in Wine Country
 Sonoma County near San Francisco, great views, professional staff
 www.NorCalSkydiving.com
Skydiving in San Diego
 Scenic flights over the ocean with every tandem jump. 120 mph freefall
 www.PCSkydiving.com
par·a·chute   (pār'ə-shōōt')   
n.  
  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.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Parachute

Par"a*chute\, n. [F., fr. paper to ward off, guard + chute a fall. See Parry, and Chute, Chance.]

1. A contrivance somewhat in the form of an umbrella, by means of which a descent may be made from a balloon, or any eminence.

2. (Zo["o]l.) A web or fold of skin which extends between the legs of certain mammals, as the flying squirrels, colugo, and phalangister.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.
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Language Translation for : parachute
Spanish: paracaídas,
German: der Fallschirm; Fallschirm…,
Japanese: パラシュート
More Translations »

parachute 
1785, from Fr. parachute, lit. "that which protects against a fall," hybrid coined by Fr. aeronaut François Blanchard (1753-1809) from para- "defense against" (from L. parare "prepare") + chute "a fall" (see chute). The verb is attested from 1807.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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