n. & v.
--n.
1. a rectangular or umbrella-shaped apparatus allowing a person or heavy object attached to it to descend slowly from a height, esp. from an aircraft, or to retard motion in other ways.
2 (attrib.) dropped or to be dropped by parachute (parachute troops; parachute flare).
--v.tr. & intr. convey or descend by parachute.
Etymology: F (as PARA-(2), CHUTE(1))