n.
Pronunciation: ' wi ŋ
Function: noun
Usage: often attrib
Etymology: Middle English winge, of Scandinavian origin; akin to Danish & Swedish vinge wing; akin to Sanskrit v ā ti it blows ― more at WIND
Date: 13th century
1 a : one of the movable feathered or membranous paired appendages by means of which a bird, bat, or insect is able to fly also : such an appendage even though rudimentary if possessed by an animal belonging to a group characterized by the power of flight b : any of various anatomical structures (as of a flying fish or flying lemur) providing means of limited flight
2 : an appendage or part resembling a wing in appearance, position, or function: as a : a device worn under the arms to aid a person in swimming or staying afloat b : ALA c : a turned-back or extended edge on an article of clothing d : a sidepiece at the top of an armchair e (1) : a foliaceous, membranous, or woody expansion of a plant especially along a stem or on a samara or capsule (2) : either of the two lateral petals of a papilionaceous flower f : a vane of a windmill or arrow g : SAIL h : an airfoil that develops a major part of the lift which supports a heavier-than-air aircraft i chiefly British : FENDER D
3 : a means of flight or rapid progress
4 : the act or manner of flying : FLIGHT <take wing >
5 : a side or outlying region or district
6 : a part or feature of a building usually projecting from and subordinate to the main or central part <the servants' wing >
7 a : one of the pieces of scenery at the side of a stage b plural : the area at the side of the stage out of sight
8 a : a left or right section of an army or fleet : FLANK b : one of the offensive positions or players on either side of a center position in certain team sports also : FLANKER
9 a : either of two opposing groups within an organization or society : FACTION b : a section of an organized body (as a legislative chamber) representing a group or faction holding distinct opinions or policies ― compare LEFT WING , RIGHT WING
10 a : a unit of the U.S. Air Force higher than a group and lower than a division b : two or more squadrons of naval airplanes
11 : a dance step marked by a quick outward and inward rolling glide of one foot
12 plural : insignia consisting of an outspread pair of stylized bird's wings which are awarded on completion of prescribed training to a qualified pilot, aircrew member, or military balloon pilot
– wingy \ ' wi ŋ - ē \ adjective
– in the wings
1 : out of sight in the stage wings
2 : close at hand in the background : readily available <had a plan waiting in the wings >
– on the wing
1 : in flight : FLYING
2 : in motion
– under one's wing : under one's protection : in one's care <took her under his wing >
wing 1a: parts of a bird's wing 1 coverts, 2 primaries, 3 secondaries