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Definition of parachute - 3 dictionary results

par⋅a⋅chute

[par-uh-shoot] noun, verb, -chut⋅ed, -chut⋅ing.
–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


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.
Cite This Source Link To parachute
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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Word Origin & History

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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