par·a·chute
 parachute
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- pronunciation:
- pae
r
shut
- parts of speech:
- noun, verb
- features:
- Word History, Word Explorer, Word Parts
| part of speech: |
noun |
| definition: |
A parachute is something made of very strong, thin cloth, and it is used when someone jumps out of an airplane. When a parachute is not being used, it is folded up very carefully and tightly. When it is used by someone in the air, it opens up like a big umbrella and lets them fall safely to the ground.
The man jumped out of the plane and opened his parachute before landing on the ground.
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| part of speech: |
verb |
| inflections: |
parachutes, parachuting, parachuted |
| definition: |
When someone parachutes, they come down by using a parachute.
The pilot parachuted from the small airplane. |
| derivations: |
parachuter (n.), parachutist (n.) |
The word
parachute combines a French word,
chute, which means "fall," with the prefix, "para-," which means "defense against."