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Spitfire: meaning, definitions and examples

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spitfire

 

[ ˈspɪtfaɪər ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

aircraft

The Spitfire is a British single-seat fighter aircraft that was used by the Royal Air Force during World War II. Designed by R.J. Mitchell, the Spitfire is known for its distinctive elliptical wings and exceptional speed and agility. It played a vital role during the Battle of Britain and has become an iconic symbol of British aviation. The aircraft was produced in numerous variants and is celebrated for its engineering and performance.

Synonyms

aircraft, fighter, plane.

Examples of usage

  • The Spitfire took to the skies for its test flight.
  • During WWII, the Spitfire defended British airspace.
  • Airshows often feature vintage Spitfire planes.
Context #2 | Noun

personality

In some contexts, 'spitfire' can refer to a person, typically a woman, who is spirited, fiery, or easily provoked to anger. This usage likens a person's temperament to the fierce and unpredictable nature of the fiery breath associated with dragons or uncontrollable flames. Such individuals are often seen as strong-willed and assertive.

Synonyms

dynamo, firebrand, live wire.

Examples of usage

  • She is a real spitfire, never backing down from a challenge.
  • The spitfire in her personality drew attention.
  • His spitfire attitude made him popular among his friends.

Translations

Translations of the word "spitfire" in other languages:

🇵🇹 Spitfire

🇮🇳 स्पिटफायर

🇩🇪 Spitfire

🇮🇩 Spitfire

🇺🇦 Спітфайр

🇵🇱 Spitfire

🇯🇵 スピットファイア

🇫🇷 Spitfire

🇪🇸 Spitfire

🇹🇷 Spitfire

🇰🇷 스핏파이어

🇸🇦 سبت فاير

🇨🇿 Spitfire

🇸🇰 Spitfire

🇨🇳 斯皮特法尔

🇸🇮 Spitfire

🇮🇸 Spitfire

🇰🇿 Спитфайр

🇬🇪 სპიტფაირ

🇦🇿 Spitfire

🇲🇽 Spitfire

Etymology

The term 'spitfire' became associated with the famous British fighter aircraft during the early 20th century. The name was derived from the Middle English word 'spitfiren', which relates to 'spit' (to eject or expel) and 'fire', reflecting the aircraft's ability to shoot down enemy planes. The Spitfire was introduced in the late 1930s by the Supermarine company and quickly became renowned for its performance in various military operations. It gained iconic status during World War II when it formed a critical part of the Royal Air Force's tactics against the Luftwaffe in the Battle of Britain. The aircraft's elegant design, power, and speed contributed greatly to its legendary finesse in aerial combat. To this day, the Spitfire is celebrated not only for its historical significance but also as a symbol of resilience and engineering excellence.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,938, 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.