arbalest : Dictionary / Wörterbuch (BEOLINGUS, TU Chemnitz)

   aerofoil
         n 1: a device that provides reactive force when in motion
               relative to the surrounding air; can lift or control a
               plane in flight [syn: {airfoil}, {aerofoil}, {control
               surface}, {surface}]

English Dictionary: arbalest	by the DICT Development Group
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
aerophilatelic adj of or relating to airmail stamps
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
aerophilately n the collection and study of airmail stamps
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
aerophile n a lover of aviation
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
aerophilic adj depending on free oxygen or air; "aerobic fermentation" Synonym(s): aerobic, aerophilic, aerophilous Antonym(s): anaerobic, anaerobiotic
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
aerophilous adj depending on free oxygen or air; "aerobic fermentation" Synonym(s): aerobic, aerophilic, aerophilous Antonym(s): anaerobic, anaerobiotic
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
aeroplane n an aircraft that has a fixed wing and is powered by propellers or jets; "the flight was delayed due to trouble with the airplane" Synonym(s): airplane, aeroplane, plane
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
air bladder n an air-filled sac near the spinal column in many fishes that helps maintain buoyancy Synonym(s): air bladder, swim bladder, float
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
air filter n a filter that removes dust from the air that passes through it Synonym(s): air filter, air cleaner
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
air flow n the flow of air; "she adjusted the fan so that the airflow was directed right at her" Synonym(s): airflow, air flow, flow of air
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
air plant n plant that derives moisture and nutrients from the air and rain; usually grows on another plant but not parasitic on it Synonym(s): air plant, epiphyte, aerophyte, epiphytic plant
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
air pollution n pollution of the atmosphere; "air pollution reduced the visibility"
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
air rifle n a gun that propels a projectile by compressed air [syn: air gun, airgun, air rifle]
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
air-filled adj full of air
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
airfield n a place where planes take off and land [syn: airfield, landing field, flying field, field]
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
airflow n the flow of air; "she adjusted the fan so that the airflow was directed right at her" Synonym(s): airflow, air flow, flow of air
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
airfoil n a device that provides reactive force when in motion relative to the surrounding air; can lift or control a plane in flight Synonym(s): airfoil, aerofoil, control surface, surface
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
airplane n an aircraft that has a fixed wing and is powered by propellers or jets; "the flight was delayed due to trouble with the airplane" Synonym(s): airplane, aeroplane, plane
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
airplane landing n landing an aircraft [syn: aircraft landing, {airplane landing}]
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
airplane maneuver n a maneuver executed by an aircraft [syn: flight maneuver, airplane maneuver]
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
airplane mechanics n the craft of building and repairing airplanes
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
airplane pilot n someone who is licensed to operate an aircraft in flight Synonym(s): pilot, airplane pilot
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
airplane propeller n a propeller that rotates to push against air [syn: airplane propeller, airscrew, prop]
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
airplane ticket n a ticket good for a trip on an airplane [syn: {plane ticket}, airplane ticket]
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
Arab League n an international organization of independent Arab states formed in 1945 to promote cultural and economic and military and political and social cooperation
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
arability n the quality of land that is appropriate for cultivation
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
arable adj (of farmland) capable of being farmed productively [syn: arable, cultivable, cultivatable, tillable]
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
arbalest n an engine that provided medieval artillery used during sieges; a heavy war engine for hurling large stones and other missiles Synonym(s): catapult, arbalest, arbalist, ballista, bricole, mangonel, onager, trebuchet, trebucket
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
arbalist n an engine that provided medieval artillery used during sieges; a heavy war engine for hurling large stones and other missiles Synonym(s): catapult, arbalest, arbalist, ballista, bricole, mangonel, onager, trebuchet, trebucket
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
areflexia n absence of a reflex; a sign of possible nerve damage
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
arrival n accomplishment of an objective Synonym(s): arrival, reaching the act of arriving at a certain place; "they awaited her arrival" someone who arrives (or has arrived) Synonym(s): arrival, arriver, comer
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
arrival gate n gate where passengers disembark
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
arrival time n the time at which a public conveyance is scheduled to arrive at a given destination Synonym(s): arrival time, time of arrival
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Vole \Vole\, n. (Zo[94]l.) Any one of numerous species of micelike rodents belonging to {Arvicola} and allied genera of the subfamily {Arvicolin[91]}. They have a thick head, short ears, and a short hairy tail. Note: The water vole, or water rat, of Europe ({Arvicola amphibius}) is a common large aquatic species. The short-tailed field vole ({A. agrestis}) of Northern and Central Europe, and Asia, the Southern field vole ({A. arvalis}), and the Siberian root vole ({A. [d2]conomus}), are important European species. The common species of the Eastern United States ({A. riparius}) (called also {meadow mouse}) and the prairie mouse ({A. austerus}) are abundant, and often injurious to vegetation. Other species are found in Canada.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
A89rofoil \A"[89]rofoil`\, n. [A[89]ro- + foil.] A plane or arched surface for sustaining bodies by its movement through the air; a spread wing, as of a bird.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
A89roplane \A"[89]roplane`\, n. [A[89]ro- + plane.] A flying machine, or a small plane for experiments on flying, which floats in the air only when propelled through it.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
A89roplane \A"[89]roplane`\, n. [A[89]ro- + plane.] (A[89]ronautics) A light rigid plane used in a[89]rial navigation to oppose sudden upward or downward movement in the air, as in gliding machines; specif., such a plane slightly inclined and driven forward as a lifting device in some flying machines; hence, a flying machine using such a device. These machines are called monoplanes, biplanes, triplanes, or quadruplanes, according to the number of main supporting planes used in their constraction. Being heavier than air they depend for their levitation on motion imparted by one or more propellers actuated by a gasoline engine. They start from the ground by a run on small wheels or runners, and are guided by a steering apparatus consisting of horizontal and vertical movable planes. There are many varieties of form and construction, which in some cases are known by the names of their inventors.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Passive balloon \Pas"sive balloon"\ [or] a89roplane \a"[89]ro*plane\ One unprovided with motive power.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
A89roplane \A"[89]roplane`\, n. [A[89]ro- + plane.] A flying machine, or a small plane for experiments on flying, which floats in the air only when propelled through it.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
A89roplane \A"[89]roplane`\, n. [A[89]ro- + plane.] (A[89]ronautics) A light rigid plane used in a[89]rial navigation to oppose sudden upward or downward movement in the air, as in gliding machines; specif., such a plane slightly inclined and driven forward as a lifting device in some flying machines; hence, a flying machine using such a device. These machines are called monoplanes, biplanes, triplanes, or quadruplanes, according to the number of main supporting planes used in their constraction. Being heavier than air they depend for their levitation on motion imparted by one or more propellers actuated by a gasoline engine. They start from the ground by a run on small wheels or runners, and are guided by a steering apparatus consisting of horizontal and vertical movable planes. There are many varieties of form and construction, which in some cases are known by the names of their inventors.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Passive balloon \Pas"sive balloon"\ [or] a89roplane \a"[89]ro*plane\ One unprovided with motive power.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
A89roplanist \A"[89]roplan`ist\, n. One who flies in an a[89]roplane.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
14. (Paint.) (a) The representation or reproduction of the effect of the atmospheric medium through which every object in nature is viewed. --New Am. Cyc. (b) Carriage; attitude; action; movement; as, the head of that portrait has a good air. --Fairholt. 15. (Man.) The artificial motion or carriage of a horse. Note: Air is much used adjectively or as the first part of a compound term. In most cases it might be written indifferently, as a separate limiting word, or as the first element of the compound term, with or without the hyphen; as, air bladder, air-bladder, or airbladder; air cell, air-cell, or aircell; air-pump, or airpump. {Air balloon}. See {Balloon}. {Air bath}. (a) An apparatus for the application of air to the body. (b) An arrangement for drying substances in air of any desired temperature. {Air castle}. See {Castle in the air}, under {Castle}. {Air compressor}, a machine for compressing air to be used as a motive power. {Air crossing}, a passage for air in a mine. {Air cushion}, an air-tight cushion which can be inflated; also, a device for arresting motion without shock by confined air. {Air fountain}, a contrivance for producing a jet of water by the force of compressed air. {Air furnace}, a furnace which depends on a natural draft and not on blast. {Air line}, a straight line; a bee line. Hence {Air-line}, adj.; as, air-line road. {Air lock} (Hydr. Engin.), an intermediate chamber between the outer air and the compressed-air chamber of a pneumatic caisson. --Knight. {Air port} (Nav.), a scuttle or porthole in a ship to admit air. {Air spring}, a spring in which the elasticity of air is utilized. {Air thermometer}, a form of thermometer in which the contraction and expansion of air is made to measure changes of temperature. {Air threads}, gossamer. {Air trap}, a contrivance for shutting off foul air or gas from drains, sewers, etc.; a stench trap. {Air trunk}, a pipe or shaft for conducting foul or heated air from a room. {Air valve}, a valve to regulate the admission or egress of air; esp. a valve which opens inwardly in a steam boiler and allows air to enter. {Air way}, a passage for a current of air; as the air way of an air pump; an air way in a mine. {In the air}. (a) Prevalent without traceable origin or authority, as rumors. (b) Not in a fixed or stable position; unsettled. (c) (Mil.) Unsupported and liable to be turned or taken in flank; as, the army had its wing in the air. {To take air}, to be divulged; to be made public. {To take the air}, to go abroad; to walk or ride out.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Balloon \Bal*loon"\, n. [F. ballon, aug. of balle ball: cf. It. ballone. See 1st {Ball}, n., and cf. {Pallone}.] 1. A bag made of silk or other light material, and filled with hydrogen gas or heated air, so as to rise and float in the atmosphere; especially, one with a car attached for a[89]rial navigation. 2. (Arch.) A ball or globe on the top of a pillar, church, etc., as at St. Paul's, in London. [R.] 3. (Chem.) A round vessel, usually with a short neck, to hold or receive whatever is distilled; a glass vessel of a spherical form. 4. (Pyrotechnics) A bomb or shell. [Obs.] 5. A game played with a large inflated ball. [Obs.] 6. (Engraving) The outline inclosing words represented as coming from the mouth of a pictured figure. {Air balloon}, a balloon for a[89]rial navigation. {Balloon frame} (Carp.), a house frame constructed altogether of small timber. {Balloon net}, a variety of woven lace in which the weft threads are twisted in a peculiar manner around the warp.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Air bladder \Air" blad`der\ 1. (Anat.) An air sac, sometimes double or variously lobed, in the visceral cavity of many fishes. It originates in the same way as the lungs of air-breathing vertebrates, and in the adult may retain a tubular connection with the pharynx or esophagus. 2. A sac or bladder full of air in an animal or plant; also an air hole in a casting.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Air plant \Air" plant`\ (Bot.) A plant deriving its sustenance from the air alone; an a[89]rophyte. Note: The [bd]Florida moss[b8] ({Tillandsia}), many tropical orchids, and most mosses and lichens are air plants. Those which are lodged upon trees, but not parasitic on them, are epiphytes.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Valve \Valve\, n. [L. valva the leaf, fold, or valve of a door: cf. F. valve.] 1. A door; especially, one of a pair of folding doors, or one of the leaves of such a door. Swift through the valves the visionary fair Repassed. --Pope. Heavily closed, . . . the valves of the barn doors. --Longfellow. 2. A lid, plug, or cover, applied to an aperture so that by its movement, as by swinging, lifting and falling, sliding, turning, or the like, it will open or close the aperture to permit or prevent passage, as of a fluid. Note: A valve may act automatically so as to be opened by the effort of a fluid to pass in one direction, and closed by the effort to pass in the other direction, as a clack valve; or it may be opened or closed by hand or by mechanism, as a screw valve, or a slide valve. 3. (Anat.) One or more membranous partitions, flaps, or folds, which permit the passage of the contents of a vessel or cavity in one direction, but stop or retard the flow in the opposite direction; as, the ileocolic, mitral, and semilunar valves. 4. (Bot.) (a) One of the pieces into which a capsule naturally separates when it bursts. (b) One of the two similar portions of the shell of a diatom. (c) A small portion of certain anthers, which opens like a trapdoor to allow the pollen to escape, as in the barberry. 5. (Zo[94]l.) One of the pieces or divisions of bivalve or multivalve shells. {Air valve}, {Ball valve}, {Check valve}, etc. See under {Air}. {Ball}, {Check}, etc. {Double-beat valve}, a kind of balance valve usually consisting of a movable, open-ended, turban-shaped shell provided with two faces of nearly equal diameters, one above another, which rest upon two corresponding seats when the valve is closed. {Equilibrium valve}. (a) A balance valve. See under {Balance}. (b) A valve for permitting air, steam, water, etc., to pass into or out of a chamber so as to establish or maintain equal pressure within and without. {Valve chest} (Mach.), a chamber in which a valve works; especially (Steam Engine), the steam chest; -- called in England {valve box}, and {valve casing}. See {Steam chest}, under {Steam}. {Valve face} (Mach.), that part of the surface of a valve which comes in contact with the {valve seat}. {Valve gear}, [or] {Valve motion} (Steam Engine), the system of parts by which motion is given to the valve or valves for the distribution of steam in the cylinder. For an illustration of one form of valve gear, see {Link motion}. {Valve seat}. (Mach.) (a) The fixed surface on which a valve rests or against which it presses. (b) A part or piece on which such a surface is formed. {Valve stem} (Mach.), a rod attached to a valve, for moving it. {Valve yoke} (Mach.), a strap embracing a slide valve and connecting it to the valve stem.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
14. (Paint.) (a) The representation or reproduction of the effect of the atmospheric medium through which every object in nature is viewed. --New Am. Cyc. (b) Carriage; attitude; action; movement; as, the head of that portrait has a good air. --Fairholt. 15. (Man.) The artificial motion or carriage of a horse. Note: Air is much used adjectively or as the first part of a compound term. In most cases it might be written indifferently, as a separate limiting word, or as the first element of the compound term, with or without the hyphen; as, air bladder, air-bladder, or airbladder; air cell, air-cell, or aircell; air-pump, or airpump. {Air balloon}. See {Balloon}. {Air bath}. (a) An apparatus for the application of air to the body. (b) An arrangement for drying substances in air of any desired temperature. {Air castle}. See {Castle in the air}, under {Castle}. {Air compressor}, a machine for compressing air to be used as a motive power. {Air crossing}, a passage for air in a mine. {Air cushion}, an air-tight cushion which can be inflated; also, a device for arresting motion without shock by confined air. {Air fountain}, a contrivance for producing a jet of water by the force of compressed air. {Air furnace}, a furnace which depends on a natural draft and not on blast. {Air line}, a straight line; a bee line. Hence {Air-line}, adj.; as, air-line road. {Air lock} (Hydr. Engin.), an intermediate chamber between the outer air and the compressed-air chamber of a pneumatic caisson. --Knight. {Air port} (Nav.), a scuttle or porthole in a ship to admit air. {Air spring}, a spring in which the elasticity of air is utilized. {Air thermometer}, a form of thermometer in which the contraction and expansion of air is made to measure changes of temperature. {Air threads}, gossamer. {Air trap}, a contrivance for shutting off foul air or gas from drains, sewers, etc.; a stench trap. {Air trunk}, a pipe or shaft for conducting foul or heated air from a room. {Air valve}, a valve to regulate the admission or egress of air; esp. a valve which opens inwardly in a steam boiler and allows air to enter. {Air way}, a passage for a current of air; as the air way of an air pump; an air way in a mine. {In the air}. (a) Prevalent without traceable origin or authority, as rumors. (b) Not in a fixed or stable position; unsettled. (c) (Mil.) Unsupported and liable to be turned or taken in flank; as, the army had its wing in the air. {To take air}, to be divulged; to be made public. {To take the air}, to go abroad; to walk or ride out.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Air-built \Air"-built`\, a. Erected in the air; having no solid foundation; chimerical; as, an air-built castle.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Arable \Ar"a*ble\, n. Arable land; plow land.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Arable \Ar"a*ble\, a. [F. arable, L. arabilis, fr. arare to plow, akin to Gr. [?], E. ear, to plow. See {Earable}.] Fit for plowing or tillage; -- hence, often applied to land which has been plowed or tilled.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Arbalest \Ar"balest\, Arbalist \Ar"balist\, n. [OF. arbaleste, LL. arbalista, for L. arcuballista; arcus bow + ballista a military engine. See {Ballista}.] (Antiq.) A crossbow, consisting of a steel bow set in a shaft of wood, furnished with a string and a trigger, and a mechanical device for bending the bow. It served to throw arrows, darts, bullets, etc. [Written also {arbalet} and {arblast}.] --Fosbroke.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Arbalester \Ar"balest`er\, Arbalister \Ar"balist`er\, n. [OF. arblastere, OF. arbalestier. See {Arbalest}.] A crossbowman. [Obs.] --Speed.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Arbalest \Ar"balest\, Arbalist \Ar"balist\, n. [OF. arbaleste, LL. arbalista, for L. arcuballista; arcus bow + ballista a military engine. See {Ballista}.] (Antiq.) A crossbow, consisting of a steel bow set in a shaft of wood, furnished with a string and a trigger, and a mechanical device for bending the bow. It served to throw arrows, darts, bullets, etc. [Written also {arbalet} and {arblast}.] --Fosbroke.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Arbalest \Ar"balest\, Arbalist \Ar"balist\, n. [OF. arbaleste, LL. arbalista, for L. arcuballista; arcus bow + ballista a military engine. See {Ballista}.] (Antiq.) A crossbow, consisting of a steel bow set in a shaft of wood, furnished with a string and a trigger, and a mechanical device for bending the bow. It served to throw arrows, darts, bullets, etc. [Written also {arbalet} and {arblast}.] --Fosbroke.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Arbalester \Ar"balest`er\, Arbalister \Ar"balist`er\, n. [OF. arblastere, OF. arbalestier. See {Arbalest}.] A crossbowman. [Obs.] --Speed.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Arbalest \Ar"balest\, Arbalist \Ar"balist\, n. [OF. arbaleste, LL. arbalista, for L. arcuballista; arcus bow + ballista a military engine. See {Ballista}.] (Antiq.) A crossbow, consisting of a steel bow set in a shaft of wood, furnished with a string and a trigger, and a mechanical device for bending the bow. It served to throw arrows, darts, bullets, etc. [Written also {arbalet} and {arblast}.] --Fosbroke.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Arblast \Ar"blast\, n. A crossbow. See {Arbalest}.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Arbalest \Ar"balest\, Arbalist \Ar"balist\, n. [OF. arbaleste, LL. arbalista, for L. arcuballista; arcus bow + ballista a military engine. See {Ballista}.] (Antiq.) A crossbow, consisting of a steel bow set in a shaft of wood, furnished with a string and a trigger, and a mechanical device for bending the bow. It served to throw arrows, darts, bullets, etc. [Written also {arbalet} and {arblast}.] --Fosbroke.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Arblast \Ar"blast\, n. A crossbow. See {Arbalest}.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Thunderbolt \Thun"der*bolt`\, n. 1. A shaft of lightning; a brilliant stream of electricity passing from one part of the heavens to another, or from the clouds to the earth. 2. Something resembling lightning in suddenness and effectiveness. The Scipios' worth, those thunderbolts of war. --Dryden. 3. Vehement threatening or censure; especially, ecclesiastical denunciation; fulmination. He severely threatens such with the thunderbolt of excommunication. --Hakewill. 4. (Paleon.) A belemnite, or thunderstone. {Thunderbolt beetle} (Zo[94]l.), a long-horned beetle ({Arhopalus fulminans}) whose larva bores in the trunk of oak and chestnut trees. It is brownish and bluish-black, with W-shaped whitish or silvery markings on the elytra.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Arrival \Ar*riv"al\, n. [From {Arrive}.] 1. The act of arriving, or coming; the act of reaching a place from a distance, whether by water (as in its original sense) or by land. Our watchmen from the towers, with longing eyes, Expect his swift arrival. --Dryden. 2. The attainment or reaching of any object, by effort, or in natural course; as, our arrival at this conclusion was wholly unexpected. 3. The person or thing arriving or which has arrived; as, news brought by the last arrival. Another arrival still more important was speedily announced. --Macaulay. 4. An approach. [Obs.] The house has a corner arrival. --H. Walpole.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Arval \Ar"val\, n. [W. arwyl funeral; ar over + wylo to weep, or cf. arf[94]l; Icel. arfr inheritance + Sw. [94]l ale. Cf. {Bridal}.] A funeral feast. [North of Eng.] --Grose.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Auriflamme \Au"ri*flamme\, n. See {Oriflamme}.
From U.S. Gazetteer (1990) [gazetteer]:
Airville, PA Zip code(s): 17302
From U.S. Gazetteer (1990) [gazetteer]:
Arbela, MO (town, FIPS 1576) Location: 40.46295 N, 92.01596 W Population (1990): 40 (26 housing units) Area: 0.2 sq km (land), 0.0 sq km (water) Zip code(s): 63432
From U.S. Gazetteer (1990) [gazetteer]:
Arboles, CO Zip code(s): 81121
From U.S. Gazetteer (1990) [gazetteer]:
Arvilla, ND Zip code(s): 58214
From Jargon File (4.2.0, 31 JAN 2000) [jargon]:
airplane rule n. "Complexity increases the possibility of failure; a twin-engine airplane has twice as many engine problems as a single-engine airplane." By analogy, in both software and electronics, the rule that simplicity increases robustness. It is correspondingly argued that the right way to build reliable systems is to put all your eggs in one basket, after making sure that you've built a really _good_ basket. See also {KISS Principle}, {elegant}.
From The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (15Feb98) [foldoc]:
aeroplane rule "Complexity increases the possibility of failure; a twin-engine aeroplane has twice as many engine problems as a single-engine aeroplane." By analogy, in both software and electronics, the implication is that simplicity increases robustness and that the right way to build reliable systems is to put all your eggs in one basket, after making sure that you've built a really good basket. While simplicity is a useful design goal, and twin-engine aeroplanes do have twice as many engine problems, the analogy is almost entirely bogus. Commercial passenger aircraft are required to have at least two engines (on different wings or nacelles) so that the aeroplane can land safely if one engine fails. As Albert Einstein said, "Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler". See also {KISS Principle}. (1999-03-22)
From The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (15Feb98) [foldoc]:
airplane rule {aeroplane rule}