helicopter

n. the winged seed of trees like the maple that spins as it falls to the ground.

n. the winged fruit or samara of certain trees, such as the maple or ash, which rotates during descent to aid wind dispersal.

“The children loved catching the little helicopters as they fell from the maple tree.”

“The lawn was carpeted with maple helicopters, their aerodynamic wings designed to carry the seeds far from the shade of the parent tree.”

Informal

v. to travel somewhere or carry someone using a helicopter.

v. to transport people or goods, or to travel oneself, by means of a helicopter.

“The team was helicoptered into the remote jungle to start their research.”

“Due to the washed-out roads, the government decided to helicopter emergency supplies directly to the isolated coastal villages.”

v. to watch over your children too closely and try to control everything they do.

v. to practice overprotective or excessive supervision of one's children, often interfering in their daily affairs.

“She tends to helicopter around her son even when he is just playing at the park.”

“University administrators have noted an increase in parents who helicopter their adult children during the admissions process.”

Informal