A barrel-roll is a maneuver in aviation where an aircraft rolls 360 degrees while following a horizontal path, often used as a stunt or a defensive maneuver. It is a common term used in aviation and has been popularized in movies and video games. In this article, we will explore the definition, origin, meaning, associations, synonyms, antonyms, and example sentences of the term barrel-roll.
Definitions
A barrel-roll is a maneuver in which an aircraft rolls 360 degrees around its longitudinal axis while following a horizontal path. It is a complex aerial maneuver that requires a high level of skill and precision. The maneuver can be performed in different ways, such as a slow roll or a fast roll, depending on the aircraft’s speed and the pilot’s experience.
Origin
The term “barrel-roll” originated in the early days of aviation when pilots would perform the maneuver to evade enemy fire during dogfights. The term “barrel” refers to the shape of the maneuver, which resembles a barrel. The maneuver gained popularity during World War II when it was used by fighter pilots to evade enemy fire.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, a barrel-roll is “a maneuver in which an airplane makes a complete roll about its longitudinal axis while following a spiral path in the air.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “a maneuver in which an aircraft rolls 360 degrees while following a horizontal path.”
Associations
The barrel-roll is often associated with acrobatic flying, stunt flying, and military aviation. It is a popular maneuver in airshows and is used by pilots to demonstrate their skill and precision. It is also associated with video games and movies, where it is often used as a dramatic stunt.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of barrel-roll include aileron roll, snap roll, and wingover. These terms are used to describe similar aerial maneuvers that involve rolling the aircraft around its longitudinal axis.
Antonyms
There are no specific antonyms for barrel-roll as it is a unique aerial maneuver. However, some terms that can be considered opposite to barrel-roll are level flight, straight and level flight, and steady flight.
The same root words
The term barrel-roll consists of two root words: barrel and roll. The word “barrel” refers to the shape of the maneuver, while “roll” refers to the movement of the aircraft around its longitudinal axis. These words have a common origin in the Latin word “rotulus,” which means a small wheel.
Example Sentences
- The pilot performed a perfect barrel-roll during the airshow.
- The fighter pilot used a barrel-roll to evade enemy fire.
- The video game character performed a barrel-roll to avoid obstacles.
- The stunt pilot amazed the audience with his barrel-roll maneuver.
- The aircraft’s wingtip almost touched the ground during the barrel-roll.