plane
plane Lexical Profile
plane Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A powered flying vehicle with fixed wings and a weight greater than that of the air it displaces.
"We watched the plane ascend rapidly into the clouds shortly after taking off from the runway."
A flat, two-dimensional geometric surface that extends infinitely, or a conceptual level of existence, thought, or development.
"The meditation instructor spoke of reaching a higher spiritual plane through consistent practice and mindfulness."
A hand tool featuring a blade set in a flat-bottomed block, used for shaving and smoothing the surface of wood.
"The master carpenter used an antique block plane to shave down the rough edges of the mahogany door."
• adjective
Completely flat and level; having a surface without elevations or depressions.
"The surveyors used precision instruments to ensure the foundation was poured on a perfectly plane surface."
• verb
To glide or skim along the surface of water or through the air.
"As the speedboat gained momentum, the hull began to plane gracefully across the calm surface of the lake."
To smooth, shape, or reduce the thickness of wood by using a hand plane or planing machine.
"He meticulously planed the timber until the grain was exposed and the surface felt like glass."
Word Nuance & Usage
Frequently confused with its homophone 'plain', which refers to a geographic flatland or something simple and unadorned; 'plane' strictly denotes a geometric flat surface, a woodworking tool, or an aircraft.
• Rhymes for plane
Word Origin & Etymology
Derived from the Latin 'planus', meaning 'flat' or 'level'. In the context of aviation, it emerged in the late 19th century as an abbreviation of 'aeroplane', from the French 'aéroplane'.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.