noun
fuselage
FYOO-suh-lahzh/ˈfjuːsəlɑːʒ/
The main body of an aircraft, excluding its wings and tail.
The plane's fuselage holds the passengers, crew, and their luggage.
Etymology
The spindle-shaped base explains the aircraft term through resemblance: the long, tapering main body was named for its shape, like a spindle.
In context
the fuselage of the plane had to be specially strengthened with the external reinforcement
More examples
- Mechanics inspect the fuselage for cracks after the hard landing.
- Cargo enters the fuselage through a large side door.
- Both planes have narrow fuselages.
Forms
fuselage · fuselages
Similar words
- body
- A general term for the main part, not specific to aircraft.