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Plane: meaning, definitions and examples

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plane

 

[pleɪn ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in aviation

A powered flying vehicle with fixed wings and a weight greater than that of the air it displaces.

Synonyms

aeroplane, aircraft, jet.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
plane

Commonly used in everyday conversation to refer to any type of flying vehicle that carries passengers or goods through the air.

  • I am taking a plane to New York next week.
  • The plane is expected to land at 5 PM.
aircraft

A general term that refers to any type of vehicle capable of flight, including planes, helicopters, drones, etc. Often used in technical or formal contexts.

  • The aircraft is scheduled for maintenance tomorrow.
  • Military aircraft were spotted flying over the region.
jet

Specifically refers to airplanes that are powered by jet engines. Often used when talking about faster, more powerful aircraft.

  • The jet flew across the Atlantic in just a few hours.
  • He works as a pilot for a private jet company.
aeroplane

Mostly used in British English to describe a flying vehicle similar to 'plane' in American English.

  • He boarded the aeroplane and fastened his seatbelt.
  • The aeroplane took off smoothly from the runway.

Examples of usage

  • The plane took off smoothly from the runway.
  • The pilot guided the plane through turbulent weather.
  • Passengers boarded the plane for their flight.
Context #2 | Noun

in geometry

A flat surface that extends infinitely in all directions.

Synonyms

level, sheet, surface.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
plane

Used in mathematics or geometry to describe a flat, two-dimensional surface. It can also refer to an aircraft for air travel.

  • The geometry teacher drew a plane on the board.
  • They boarded the plane for a flight to Paris.
surface

Used to describe the outermost layer or top of an object. It can be used in contexts such as water bodies, buildings, or any physical item.

  • The surface of the table was scratched.
  • The lake's surface was calm.
  • Dust can accumulate on the surface of furniture.
level

Used to describe a flat or even surface, or a specific height or standard. It can be used in construction, gaming, or performance standards.

  • The builder used a tool to make sure the floor was level.
  • She is at an advanced level in her English course.
  • He reached level 5 in the video game.
sheet

Typically refers to a large piece of fabric for bedding or a flat piece of material like paper or metal. It can also be used in cooking or certain industrial processes.

  • She bought new sheets for the bed.
  • Please pass me a sheet of paper.
  • The chef placed the cookies on a baking sheet.

Examples of usage

  • The figure was drawn on a plane.
  • The two points lie in the same plane.
  • The plane of the table was smooth and polished.
Context #3 | Verb

in woodworking

To make (a surface) level or smooth.

Synonyms

even, level, smooth.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
plane

Refers to a flat, two-dimensional surface. Commonly used in geometry, carpentry, and aviation.

  • The carpenter ensured the wood was on a perfect plane
  • In geometry, we study different shapes on a plane
smooth

Describes a surface without roughness, or a process that goes easily and without disruption. Common in describing textures, actions, and transitions.

  • Feel this fabric; it's really smooth
  • The transition between the two stages was very smooth
level

Indicates something that is perfectly horizontal or balanced, often used in construction and indicating fairness or equality.

  • Use this tool to check if the shelf is level
  • We need to provide a level playing field for all the participants
even

Describes something with a smooth, continuous surface without bumps or irregularities. It's also used in mathematics and casual conversation.

  • The road was finally even after the repairs
  • Cut the cake into even pieces so everyone gets the same amount

Examples of usage

  • The carpenter planed the rough wood.
  • She carefully planed the edges of the board.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'plane' comes from the Latin word 'planus', meaning 'flat' or 'level'.
  • In mathematics, 'plane' is a concept used to describe a two-dimensional surface with no thickness.
  • Over time, the meaning has evolved to include both geometry and aviation.

Science

  • In physics, a plane can refer to a flat surface where forces can act evenly, significant in mechanics.
  • Aerodynamics studies how planes move through air, focusing on how lift is generated to keep them airborne.
  • Pilots must understand flight dynamics, including how different planes respond to various atmospheric conditions.

Technology

  • The first successful powered airplane was built by the Wright brothers in 1903, revolutionizing travel.
  • Modern planes often use advanced materials like carbon fiber to enhance performance and reduce weight.
  • Global positioning systems (GPS) have transformed navigation for aviation, allowing for precise routing and tracking.

Cultural References

  • Planes have become a symbol of adventure and freedom, often depicted in movies and stories as a means to explore new worlds.
  • The song 'Leaving on a Jet Plane' expresses the emotions of travel and separation connected with flying.
  • Air travel has changed how we connect with friends and family, making the world more accessible than ever before.

History

  • The invention of the airplane marked the beginning of the aviation age in the early 20th century, forever changing transportation.
  • During World War II, planes played a crucial role in warfare, used for both combat and transport.
  • Commercial aviation began in the 1920s, leading to the globalization of trade and tourism.

Translations

Translations of the word "plane" in other languages:

🇵🇹 avião

🇮🇳 विमान

🇩🇪 Flugzeug

🇮🇩 pesawat

🇺🇦 літак

🇵🇱 samolot

🇯🇵 飛行機

🇫🇷 avion

🇪🇸 avión

🇹🇷 uçak

🇰🇷 비행기

🇸🇦 طائرة

🇨🇿 letadlo

🇸🇰 lietadlo

🇨🇳 飞机

🇸🇮 letalo

🇮🇸 flugvél

🇰🇿 ұшақ

🇬🇪 თვითმფრინავი

🇦🇿 təyyarə

🇲🇽 avión

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,716, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.