par·a·chute
 parachute
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- pronunciation:
- pae
r
shut
- parts of speech:
- noun, verb
- features:
- Word Combinations (noun, verb), Word History, Word Explorer, Word Parts
| part of speech: |
noun |
| definition: |
a large device made of strong, thin cloth that opens up like an umbrella. A parachute slows the fall of a person who jumps from an airplane. It can also be used in the same way for something that is dropped from an airplane.
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| part of speech: |
verb |
| inflections: |
parachutes, parachuting, parachuted |
| definition 1: |
to drop or deliver by parachute.
The Air Force parachuted medical supplies to the troops. |
| definition 2: |
to come down by using a parachute.
The pilot parachuted from the small airplane. |
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| derivations: |
parachuter (n.), parachutist (n.) |
The word
parachute combines a French word,
chute, which means "fall," with the prefix, "para-," which means "defense against."