ScienceAugust 18, 2026

downwash

DOWN-wosh

Definition

The downward movement of air forced away from the blades or thrusters of an aircraft.

Etymology

The word is a compound of 'down' and 'wash,' reflecting the nautical term 'wash' used to describe the turbulent water created by a ship's propeller, later adapted to aviation to describe displaced air.

In the news

In the article, the researcher mentions that his flying robots are designed to minimize downwash to prevent disturbing the delicate layers of liquid hydrocarbons on Titan's surface.

NASA-funded flying robots could soon explore the hidden caves of Saturn's moon Titan

Read the full article ↗

starlust.org

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