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Intermediate Dictionary
       

par·a·chute

parachute

 
pronunciation:
pae r shut
parts of speech:
noun, verb
features:
Word History, Word Explorer, Word Parts
part of speech: noun
definition: a large device made of strong, thin cloth that opens up like an umbrella. A parachute slows the fall of a person who jumps from an airplane. It can also be used in the same way for something that is dropped from an airplane.
 
 
part of speech: verb
inflections: parachutes, parachuting, parachuted
definition 1: to drop or deliver by parachute.
The Air Force parachuted medical supplies to the troops.
definition 2: to come down by using a parachute.
The pilot parachuted from the small airplane.
derivations: parachuter (n.), parachutist (n.)
Word History
The word parachute combines a French word, chute, which means "fall," with the prefix, "para-," which means "defense against."
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