Midair: meaning, definitions and examples

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midair

 

[ˈmɪdˌɛr ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

in flight

Midair refers to the position or state of being in the air, particularly when something is flying or suspended and not in contact with the ground. This term is commonly used in aviation and meteorology to describe events that occur while an aircraft is at cruising altitude. It can also describe situations where objects are in free fall or floating within the atmosphere. Midair often implies a sense of dynamics and instability, as motion and altitude change can impact the scenario described.

Synonyms

airborne, aloft, in-flight.

Examples of usage

  • The bird soared midair before diving for its prey.
  • The stunt performer executed a flip midair.
  • The aircraft experienced turbulence midair.
  • He caught the frisbee midair with ease.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term 'midair' combines the prefix 'mid-' meaning 'middle' with 'air', representing the space in between the ground and high skies.
  • It first appeared in the English language in the early 19th century, capturing the idea of something floating or being suspended.
  • The usage of 'midair' reflects a broader fascination with flight and gravity that rose with the development of aviation.

Science

  • In physics, midair refers to the free fall or the state of an object that is airborne while under the influence of gravity.
  • The concept is closely related to aerodynamics, where understanding midair motion helps engineers design better planes and vehicles.
  • Height and wind resistance are crucial factors that determine how long an object can stay in midair before falling.

Pop Culture

  • In action movies, characters often perform stunning acrobatics in midair, showcasing extraordinary skills that captivate audiences.
  • Popular video games feature levels where players must navigate through midair obstacles, adding excitement and challenge to gameplay.
  • Many aerial sports, such as parkour and BMX biking, emphasize midair tricks that demonstrate agility and control.

Literature

  • Midair appears frequently in poetry, symbolizing freedom, escape, and the fleeting nature of life.
  • In children's literature, characters often find themselves in fantastical scenarios midair, adding a sense of wonder and adventure.
  • Classic novels sometimes use midair moments to depict a character's emotional upheaval, illustrating conflicts and growth.

Technology

  • Drones operate primarily in midair, revolutionizing fields such as photography and delivery services.
  • NASA experiments with midair refueling techniques to extend the range of aircraft during missions.
  • Virtual reality technology includes experiences designed to simulate midair sensations, offering users thrilling, immersive adventures.

Translations

Translations of the word "midair" in other languages:

🇵🇹 no ar

🇮🇳 हवा में

🇩🇪 in der Luft

🇮🇩 di udara

🇺🇦 в повітрі

🇵🇱 w powietrzu

🇯🇵 空中で

🇫🇷 dans les airs

🇪🇸 en el aire

🇹🇷 havada

🇰🇷 공중에서

🇸🇦 في الهواء

🇨🇿 ve vzduchu

🇸🇰 vo vzduchu

🇨🇳 在空中

🇸🇮 v zraku

🇮🇸 í loftinu

🇰🇿 әуеде

🇬🇪 ჰაერის ზედა

🇦🇿 hava içində

🇲🇽 en el aire

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,945, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.