rhizoverbBeta
DictionarystallLoss of lift
noun / verb

stall

A loss of the lift needed to keep an aircraft flying.

The pilot lowers the nose to recover from a stall.

Etymology
stallenMiddle Englishcome to a stand

Stall developed a sense of stopping or becoming unable to proceed. Aviation specialized it to the aerodynamic failure of a wing to maintain sufficient lift.

More examples

  • An airplane can stall even when its engine is running.
  • Pulling back too sharply can stall the wings.
  • The student practices recovering from stalls with an instructor.

Forms

stall · stalls · stalled · stalling