airborne
airborne Lexical Profile
airborne Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Carried, transported, or transmitted through the air, especially regarding microscopic particles, pollen, or infectious pathogens.
"High-efficiency air filters are installed in hospitals to capture airborne allergens and bacteria."
In flight or off the ground after taking off, as of an aircraft, bird, or leaping object.
"Passengers must keep their seatbelts fastened until the commercial jet is safely airborne."
Designating or relating to personnel or equipment trained and equipped to be transported by aircraft and deployed by parachute or glider.
"The relief supplies were delivered to the isolated mountain village by an airborne rescue unit."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse 'airborne' (carried through the air, from 'bear') with 'airborn', as 'borne' is the past participle used for things transported, whereas 'born' is restricted to birth.
• Rhymes for airborne
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in the mid-17th century as a compound of 'air' (from Old French and Latin 'aer') and 'borne', the past participle of the Old English verb 'beran' meaning 'to carry or sustain'.