plane

I

[[t]pleɪn[/t]]

n. adj. v. planed, plan•ing

1) a flat or level surface

2) math. Geom. a surface generated by a straight line moving at a constant velocity with respect to a fixed point

3) fia an area of a two-dimensional surface having determinate extension and spatial direction or position:

horizontal plane[/ex]

4) a level of dignity, character, or the like:

a high moral plane[/ex]

5) aer. Aeron.

a) an airplane or a hydroplane

b) a thin, flat or curved, extended section of an airplane or a hydroplane, affording a supporting surface

6) flat or level, as a surface

7) math. of or pertaining to planes or plane figures

8) to glide or soar

9) naut. navig. (of a boat) to rise partly out of the water when moving at high speed

10) cvb inf Informal. to fly or travel in an airplane

•

Etymology: 1400–50; (n., adj.) < L plānum flat surface, plānus flat; (v.) late ME planen (of a bird) to soar (cf. MF planer); (defs. 5,10,11) shortening of aeroplane, airplane, or hydroplane II

plane

[[t]pleɪn[/t]] n. v. planed, plan•ing

1) bui any of various woodworking instruments for paring, truing, or smoothing, or for forming moldings, chamfers, etc., by means of an inclined, adjustable blade moved along and against the piece being worked

2) bui to smooth or dress with or as if with a plane or a planer

3) bui to remove by or as if by means of a plane (usu. fol. by away or off)

4) bui to work with a plane

5) bui to function as a plane

•

Etymology: 1275–1325; (n.) ME (< MF) < LL plāna, der. of plānāre to smooth, der. of L plānus plain; (v.) ME planen (< MF planer) < LL plānāre III

plane

[[t]pleɪn[/t]] n.

pln

plane tree

•

Etymology: 1350–1400; ME < MF < L platanus < Gk plátanos, der. of platýs broad, flat I (with reference to the leaves)