Freefaller Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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freefaller

[หˆfriหหŒfษ”หlษ™r ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

extreme sports

A person who participates in the sport of freefalling, where they jump from an aircraft and fall freely before deploying a parachute. Freefallers often perform acrobatic maneuvers during their descent.

Synonyms

parachutist, skydiver.

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Word Description / Examples
freefaller

Typically refers to someone who participates in freefall, a part of skydiving where the participant falls freely before deploying the parachute. This term highlights the specific phase of skydiving where the person is falling without any additional control.

  • The freefaller enjoyed the sensation of weightlessness before opening the parachute.
  • Training for a freefaller involves mastering the art of stable and controlled descent.
skydiver

Best used to refer to someone who participates in the sport of jumping from an aircraft and performing acrobatic maneuvers during freefall before deploying a parachute. This term is often associated with recreation or competitive sports.

  • The skydiver executed a perfect somersault during freefall.
  • Skydivers from around the world competed in the championship.
parachutist

Describes someone who uses a parachute to descend from high altitudes. This general term applies to military personnel, recreational jumpers, and anyone else who engages in parachuting.

  • The parachutist landed smoothly in the open field.
  • During the demonstration, the parachutists performed impressive aerial maneuvers.

Examples of usage

  • He is an experienced freefaller and has completed over 100 jumps.
  • The freefaller executed a perfect somersault before opening his parachute.
Context #2 | Noun

physics

An object or body falling under the sole influence of gravity, without any other forces acting upon it. In a freefall, the only force acting on the object is gravity.

Synonyms

falling body, plummeting object.

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Word Description / Examples
freefaller

This term is often used to describe a person who is intentionally jumping from a height, such as a skydiver before opening their parachute.

  • The freefaller was enjoying the adrenaline rush before deploying his parachute.
  • She is an experienced freefaller who has completed over 300 jumps.
falling body

This term is typically used in scientific or educational contexts to describe an object or person falling freely under the influence of gravity.

  • Galileo's experiment with a falling body showed that objects of different masses fall at the same rate.
  • The physics teacher explained the motion of a falling body using equations of motion.
plummeting object

This term is often used to describe something falling rapidly and uncontrollably, typically with a sense of danger or urgency, and may have a negative connotation.

  • The plummeting object crashed into the ground with a loud thud.
  • Witnesses described seeing a plummeting object falling from the sky before the explosion.

Examples of usage

  • The freefaller experienced weightlessness as he fell towards the ground.
  • The skydiver was in freefall for several seconds before deploying his parachute.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Sports

  • Skydiving is a popular sport among freefallers, often involving jumps from planes at altitudes over 10,000 feet.
  • The freefall phase of a skydive can last up to 60 seconds, where divers can reach speeds of around 120 mph before the parachute opens.

Physics

  • During freefall, gravity is the only force acting on the body, creating a sensation of weightlessness.
  • The acceleration due to gravity is approximately 9.81 m/sยฒ, meaning a freefaller accelerates downwards at this rate until terminal velocity is reached.

Psychology

  • For many, the experience of freefall can evoke feelings of exhilaration and adrenaline, linked to risk-taking behavior.
  • The thrill of freefalling is often described as a way to overcome fear and push personal boundaries.

Cultural References

  • Freefalling has inspired numerous songs and movies, such as the song 'Free Fallin'' by Tom Petty, which explores themes of freedom and loss.
  • The iconic video game 'Pilotwings' includes gameplay revolving around freefall, showing its impact on popular culture.

Origin of 'freefaller'

Main points about word origin

  • The term combines 'free' from Old English meaning 'not restricted' and 'faller' which refers to someone or something that falls.
  • The concept has been part of various sports and activities since the late 20th century, popularized through skydiving.

The term 'freefaller' originated in the late 20th century, stemming from the combination of 'freefall' and the agent noun suffix '-er'. It gained popularity in relation to the sport of skydiving and the physics concept of freefall. The word reflects the thrill and freedom associated with falling through the air without resistance.


See also: free, freebie, freed, freedom, freefall, freefalling, freeing, freelancer, freely, freeway.