noun
pad
A flat prepared surface for vehicles or equipment.
The helicopter lands on a concrete pad beside the hospital.
Etymology
A pad provides a defined supporting surface. This sense extends the idea of a flat layer or base to a prepared site for landing, launching, or positioning equipment.
More examples
- The generator sits on a level concrete pad.
- Engineers inspect the launch pad before the rocket takes off.
- Each campsite has a gravel pad for parking an RV.
Forms
pad · pads
helipad noun — A prepared area for helicopter landings.