TechnologyAugust 17, 2026

airframes

AIR-fraymz

Definition

The mechanical structure of an aircraft, excluding the engines and electronic systems.

Etymology

The word is a 20th-century compound of the noun 'air' (referring to the sky) and 'frame' (referring to the structural skeleton or chassis).

In the news

The article uses the term to describe the types of large transport aircraft, such as Boeing and Airbus models, that Merlin intends to equip with its autonomous flight systems.

Merlin Clears AI Certification Hurdle in New Zealand

Read the full article ↗

Leeham News and Analysis

Related words

airworthiness

The ability of an aircraft to operate safely in flight, confirming it meets the…

Technology

asymmetry

A lack of equality or balance in the capabilities, power, or resources between two…

Technology

avionics

The electronic systems and devices used on aircraft, including navigation,…

Technology

contextualization

The process of placing information into a relevant context to make it easier to…

Technology

embodied

Referring to AI systems that are housed within a physical form, such as a robot, allowing…

Technology

mindshare

The degree of consumer awareness and association of a brand in the minds of the public.

Technology

Learn a word like this every day

Meet one new word every morning.

Newspoken pulls one carefully chosen word from the day’s news — with a clear definition, context, and light review that makes it stick. Get it on your phone.