I. ˈparəˌshüt also ˈper-; usu -üd.+V noun
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: French, from para- (as in parasol ) + chute fall — more at parasol , chute
1. : a folding umbrella-shaped device usually made of light fabric for retarding the speed of a body attached to it by offering resistance to the air and used especially for making a safe descent from an airplane, dropping equipment or supplies from an airplane, or slowing down an airplane upon landing
2. : the patagium of a mammal or reptile
3.
a. : a device or structure suggestive of a parachute in form, use, or operation (as to retard the descent of a cage in a mine or to protect the balance wheel of a watch from shock)
b. : the inverted cup acting as the holding part of a mushroom anchor
c. : the tuft of hairs enabling a dandelion seed to float in air
4. : parachute spinnaker
• parachutic adjective
II. verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
transitive verb
: to convey by means of a parachute
intransitive verb
: to descend by or as if by means of a parachute