English

A man with a parachute.

Noun

parachute ‎(plural parachutes)

1. (aviation) A device, generally constructed from fabric, that is designed to employ air resistance to control the fall of an object.
2. (zoology) A web or fold of skin extending between the legs of gliding mammals, such as the flying squirrel and colugo.
3. (BDSM) A small collar which fastens around the scrotum and from which weights can be hung.
   • 2013, Mistress Peggy Sue, Guide to Female Supremacy (page 75)

     Parachutes are usually made of leather and can be purchased through most fetish catalogs or stores catering to the BDSM scene.

Derived terms

Translations

Verb

parachute ‎(third-person singular simple present parachutes, present participle parachuting, simple past and past participle parachuted)

1. To jump, fall, descend, etc. using such a device.
   • 2013 June 7, David Simpson, “Fantasy of navigation”, in The Guardian Weekly, volume 188, number 26, page 36:

     Like most human activities, ballooning has sponsored heroes and hucksters and a good deal in between. For every dedicated scientist patiently recording atmospheric pressure and wind speed while shivering at high altitudes, there is a carnival barker with a bevy of pretty girls willing to dangle from a basket or parachute down to earth.

2. (followed by in) To be placed in an organisation in a position of authority without having previous experience there.

Translations

See also

• parapente
• parasail
• paratrooper

References

• “parachute” in Douglas Harper, Online Etymology Dictionary (2001).

French

Etymology

From para- ‎(“protection against”) +‎ chute ‎(“fall”)

Pronunciation

Noun

parachute m ‎(plural parachutes)

1. parachute

Anagrams

• crapahute, crapahuté