Volant: meaning, definitions and examples

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volant

[ˈvoʊlənt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

movement, flight

Volant describes something that is able to fly or move quickly through the air. It is often used in a poetic or literary context to convey gracefulness in motion.

Synonyms

fluttering, flying, soaring.

Examples of usage

The volant bird soared through the sky.
Her volant movements on the dance floor captivated the audience.
They enjoyed watching the volant kites dance in the wind.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

flying creature

As a noun, volant refers to a flying creature or an object designed for flight. This usage emphasizes the ability to take to the skies.

Synonyms

flier, flyer, migrator.

Examples of usage

The volant of the forest, the owl, hunts silently.
Kites are volant structures that delight children at the park.
They studied the volant species of butterflies in the region.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'volans', meaning 'flying'.
In Old French, 'volant' also refers to flight, showing its long history associated with air travel.
The term has been used in both scientific and poetic contexts to describe various flying creatures.

Science

In biology, volant species include birds and bats, which are adapted for flight with specific body structures.
The study of how animals achieve flight has implications for technology and innovation in aerospace engineering.
Volant behavior in animals can also refer to their ability to evade predators quickly by taking to the air.

Literature

In literature, the use of 'volant' can evoke imagery of freedom and grace associated with flying beings.
Famous poets often used the term to describe the fleeting nature of life, likening it to the movement of birds.
One notable work is 'The Windhover' by Gerard Manley Hopkins, which beautifully captures the essence of flight and movement.

Art

Artists have depicted volant creatures in various forms, often symbolizing aspirations, freedom, and the elevation of the spirit.
In Renaissance art, many paintings feature birds in flight to convey themes of hope and transcendence.
Sculptures often incorporate smooth forms and upward angles to represent the idea of things in flight.

Pop Culture

In movies, volant creatures often appear as symbols of power or freedom, such as flying superheroes or mythical birds.
Popular video games feature volant characters enabling players to explore vast landscapes from the air, which adds excitement to gameplay.
This term is sometimes used in fantasy literature to describe magical creatures that can easily soar through the skies.