helicopter

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hel·i·cop·ter / ˈheliˌkäptər/ • n. a type of aircraft that derives both lift and propulsion from one or two sets of horizontally revolving overhead rotors. It is capable of moving vertically and horizontally, the direction of motion being controlled by the pitch of the rotor blades. Compare with autogiro.• v. [tr.] transport by helicopter: the Coast Guard helicoptered a compressor to one ship. ∎  [intr.] fly somewhere in a helicopter: the inspection team helicoptered ashore.ORIGIN: late 19th cent.: from French hélicoptère, from Greek helix ‘spiral’ + pteron ‘wing.’

helicopter

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