airborne

air-borne · adjective

imported

Definitions

adjective

  1. 1.

    Transported or carried by the air.

  2. 2.

    (Of an aircraft) In the air after taking off.

  3. 3.

    (Military) Relating to troops trained to be dropped by parachute or helicopter.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    become airborne — To take off; to begin flying.
  • •
    airborne transmission — The spread of disease through air.
  • •
    airborne troops — Military personnel trained for parachute drops.
  • •
    airborne particles — Small matter suspended in the air.

Related words

Antonyms: grounded
See also: aerial, aircraft, flight
Synonyms: aerial, flying, in flight

Etymology

Compound of air + borne (past participle of bear, meaning "carried"). First attested in the early 20th century with the development of aviation.