Drogue: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the French term 'drogue', which originally referred to a type of fishing net.
• In maritime history, the term evolved to describe a sea anchor designed to slow down boats.

Aviation

• In aviation, a drogue can be used to stabilize fighter jets during refueling operations mid-air.
• It is often a cone-shaped device that extends behind a plane to create drag and help during landing.

Marine Engineering

• Droge devices are critical in oceanography, helping researchers to monitor currents without the influence of their vessel's propulsion.
• The use of drogues can also be seen in sailboat racing, where they help maintain a steady course in varying winds.

Cultural References

• In literature, drogues have been symbolic of the struggle between humanity and nature, illustrating how technology attempts to harness natural forces.
• They are sometimes featured in films about sailing adventures, representing the challenges sailors face at sea.

Comparative Technology

• Drogue devices are similar to parachutes in function but are specifically designed for use underwater or in air currents rather than for landing.
• Modern drogue technologies are evolving with advancements in materials, allowing for lightweight, more effective designs.

Ranking #35,829, 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.

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