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skunkworks
skunkworks an experimental laboratory or department of a company or institution, typically smaller than and independent of its main research division; Skunk Works was originally the trademark name of an engineering and design technical consultancy service provided by the Lockheed Advanced Development Company.
The term is said to derive from the fact that the original operation was located next to a plastics factory which reminded workers there of the outdoor still called the ‘Skonk Works’ in the ‘Li'l Abner’ comic strip by the cartoonist, Al Capp. To avoid infringement of copyright, the first vowel was changed when the name was registered. |
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Cite this article
ELIZABETH KNOWLES. "skunkworks." The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 2006. Encyclopedia.com. 29 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. ELIZABETH KNOWLES. "skunkworks." The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 2006. Encyclopedia.com. (May 29, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O214-skunkworks.html ELIZABETH KNOWLES. "skunkworks." The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 2006. Retrieved May 29, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O214-skunkworks.html |
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Skunk Works
Skunk Works the special aircraft research and development department of the Lockheed Corporation; any experimental laboratory or department of a company or institution, typically smaller than and independent of its main research division. The Lockheed Skunk Works developed the U-2 and SR-71 Blackbird reconnaissance planes and the F-117 Stealth attack aircraft.
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Cite this article
"Skunk Works." The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military. 2001. Encyclopedia.com. 29 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "Skunk Works." The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military. 2001. Encyclopedia.com. (May 29, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O63-SkunkWorks.html "Skunk Works." The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military. 2001. Retrieved May 29, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O63-SkunkWorks.html |
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