Seaplane: meaning, definitions and examples
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seaplane
[ ˈsiːpleɪn ]
type of aircraft
A seaplane is a type of aircraft that is designed to take off and land on water. These aircraft typically have floats or pontoons that allow them to remain buoyant on the surface. Seaplanes can be used for a variety of purposes including transportation, fishing, and surveying. They are particularly valuable in regions with numerous lakes or islands, providing access where traditional runways are impractical. Some seaplanes are capable of utilizing both water and conventional runways, making them versatile aircraft.
Synonyms
floatplane, hydroplane, waterbird.
Examples of usage
- We took a seaplane to the remote island.
- The seaplane offers spectacular views of the coast.
- He works as a pilot for a seaplane service.
- They scheduled a tour on a seaplane to see the wildlife.
Translations
Translations of the word "seaplane" in other languages:
🇵🇹 hidroavião
🇮🇳 जलविमान
🇩🇪 Wasserflugzeug
🇮🇩 pesawat amfibi
🇺🇦 гідроплан
🇵🇱 samolot wodny
🇯🇵 水上機
🇫🇷 hydravion
🇪🇸 hidroavión
🇹🇷 su uçağı
🇰🇷 수상 비행기
🇸🇦 طائرة مائية
🇨🇿 vodní letadlo
🇸🇰 vodné lietadlo
🇨🇳 水上飞机
🇸🇮 vodno letalo
🇮🇸 vatnflugvél
🇰🇿 су ұшағы
🇬🇪 წყლის თვითმფრინავი
🇦🇿 su təyyarəsi
🇲🇽 hidroavión
Etymology
The term 'seaplane' dates back to the early 20th century, emerging as a specific category of aircraft developed from earlier designs. The English word combines 'sea', referring to large bodies of water, and 'plane', derived from 'airplane'. Early innovations in aviation, such as those by Glenn Curtiss in the United States, led to the first practical seaplanes, which were spurred by the need to access remote areas and coastal regions. The design of seaplanes continued to evolve through the years, especially during World War I, where they were primarily used for reconnaissance missions over water. Subsequently, they became popular for commercial use in the 1920s and 1930s, with the introduction of regular air services to islands and remote areas. Today, the versatility of seaplanes remains invaluable for tourism, emergency response, and resource management in hard-to-reach locations.