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Copter: meaning, definitions and examples

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copter

 

[ˈkɒptər ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

flying vehicle

A copter is a type of aircraft that uses one or more horizontal rotors to provide lift and propulsion. It is often used for military purposes, medical evacuations, and recreational activities.

Synonyms

chopper, helicopter.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
copter

Used in informal contexts or everyday conversation, often in casual or tech-savvy settings. It can refer to smaller aviation devices, like drones, as well.

  • He flew his new copter over the park to take some aerial photos.
  • The remote-controlled copter crashed into a tree.
helicopter

Used in formal or neutral contexts, suitable for official documents, news, and technical discussions. It refers specifically to the standard aircraft with spinning rotors.

  • The helicopter airlifted the injured climber to the hospital.
  • The company is investing in a fleet of new helicopters for quick transport.
chopper

Used in informal contexts, often associated with military or news reporting. It also carries a rugged or adventurous connotation. It can sometimes be perceived as having a slight negative or slangy tone.

  • The news chopper hovered over the scene, capturing live footage.
  • The military chopper landed quickly to deploy the troops.

Examples of usage

  • The copter landed on the helipad.
  • The rescue team arrived in a copter to airlift the injured hiker.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'copter' comes from 'helicopter', which is derived from the Greek words 'helix' (spiral) and 'pteron' (wing).
  • The term 'heli' in 'helicopter' references the spiral motion of the rotor blades.

Technology

  • The first practical helicopter was developed in the 1930s, revolutionizing how we think about personal and military aviation.
  • Modern rotorcraft can be equipped with advanced technology like GPS and autopilot systems, enhancing safety and navigation.

Pop Culture

  • Copters have been featured in many movies and TV shows, often portrayed as dramatic rescue vehicles or amazing flying machines.
  • The term 'copter' is widely used in gaming to describe flying vehicles that players can use to navigate terrains.

Science

  • Lift is generated by the rotor blades rotating at high speeds, creating a difference in air pressure above and below the blades.
  • The design of a copter allows for vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL), making it unique compared to fixed-wing aircraft.

History

  • The concept of vertical flight dates back to ancient China, where toys resembling copters were created using bamboo and paper.
  • During World War II, helicopters saw their first major military use, providing versatile support on the battlefield.

Translations

Translations of the word "copter" in other languages:

🇵🇹 helicóptero

🇮🇳 हेलीकॉप्टर

🇩🇪 Hubschrauber

🇮🇩 helikopter

🇺🇦 гелікоптер

🇵🇱 helikopter

🇯🇵 ヘリコプター

🇫🇷 hélicoptère

🇪🇸 helicóptero

🇹🇷 helikopter

🇰🇷 헬리콥터

🇸🇦 مروحية

🇨🇿 vrtulník

🇸🇰 vrtuľník

🇨🇳 直升机

🇸🇮 helikopter

🇮🇸 þyrla

🇰🇿 тікұшақ

🇬🇪 ვერტმფრენი

🇦🇿 helikopter

🇲🇽 helicóptero

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,464, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.