Word
airframe
Phoneticsair·frame, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɛɹˌfɹeɪm/
UK/ˈeəfɹeɪm/
Countable noun
Definition
n. the main body of an airplane, including the wings, fuselage, and tail. It is the structure that holds everything else together.
n. the structural body of an aircraft, consisting of the fuselage, wings, and tail assembly. It provides the framework for the installation of engines, avionics, and other systems.
Examples
“The pilot reported a minor crack in the airframe during the inspection.”
“After the storm, engineers spent weeks checking the airframe for any hidden damage that might affect the plane's safety.”
“Modern composite materials have allowed manufacturers to build a lighter airframe without sacrificing the structural integrity required for high-altitude commercial operations.”
Examples
simple
“The pilot reported a minor crack in the airframe during the inspection.”
contextual
“After the storm, engineers spent weeks checking the airframe for any hidden damage that might affect the plane's safety.”
complex
“Modern composite materials have allowed manufacturers to build a lighter airframe without sacrificing the structural integrity required for high-altitude commercial operations.”
Real-World Examples
“Jiu Tian’s airframe was first unveiled at the Zhuhai airshow in November 2024 under the names SS-UAV and Jetank.” Etymology
From air + frame.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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