ENGLISH
REFERENCE

dakota

n. countable
C2 Proficiency US //dəˈkoʊtə// dako·ta Archaic

n. a famous type of military transport plane used during World War II. It was known for being very strong and reliable for carrying soldiers and supplies.

n. the British and Commonwealth designation for the Douglas C-47 Skytrain, a versatile military transport aircraft derived from the civilian DC-3. It served as a primary tactical airlifter for Allied forces during the mid-20th century.


SIMPLE

The old Dakota plane flew over the field during the air show.

CONTEXTUAL

During the invasion, hundreds of Dakota aircraft dropped paratroopers behind enemy lines under the cover of darkness.

COMPLEX

Historians often cite the Dakota as one of the four most significant weapons of the war, alongside the jeep, the bazooka, and the atomic bomb.

Origin

Borrowed from Dakota dakhóta (“ally”).

Usage

When referring to the aircraft, it is a proper noun and should be capitalized.

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