Parachute Definition

părə-sho͝ot

parachuted, parachutes, parachuting

noun

parachutes

A cloth contrivance usually shaped like an umbrella when expanded, and used to retard the falling speed of a person or thing dropping from an airplane, etc.: it is generally carried folded in a pack, from which it is released by a rip cord or other device.

Webster's New World

Any of various similar unpowered devices that are used for retarding free-speeding or free-falling motion.

American Heritage

Something shaped like or having the effect of a parachute.

Webster's New World

Patagium.

Webster's New World

(zoology) A web or fold of skin extending between the legs of gliding mammals, such as the flying squirrel and colugo.

Wiktionary

Synonyms:

Synonyms:
chute
bailer
silk
umbrella
harness and pack
brolly
seat pack parachute
lap pack parachute

verb

parachuted, parachutes, parachuting

To drop (supplies or troops, for example) by means of a parachute.

American Heritage

To drop or descend by parachute.

Webster's New World

To jump, fall, descend, etc. using such a device.

Wiktionary

To be placed in an organisation in a position of seniority without having previous experience there.

Wiktionary

Synonyms:

Synonyms:
jump
chute
make a lift-off jump
bail out
plummet
fall
glide down
side-slip
make a free fall
hurtle
hit-the-silk

Other Word Forms of Parachute

Noun

Singular:

parachute

Plural:

parachutes

Origin of Parachute

Borrowing from French parachute, from para- (“protection against") (as in parasol) and chute (“fall").

From Wiktionary
French para(sol) parasol parasol chute fall chute

From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition