Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s Dictionary

is used at the beginning of words, especially nouns, that refer to things or activities connected with air or movement through the air. For example, aerodynamics is the science of how objects move through the air.

aero|bat|ics /eə rəbæ t I ks/ The form aerobatic is used as a modifier. N‑PLURAL Aerobatics are skilful displays of flying, usually to entertain people watching from the ground.

aero|bic /eəroʊ b I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Aerobic activity exercises and strengthens your heart and lungs. □  Aerobic exercise gets the heart pumping and helps you to burn up the fat.

aero|bics /eəroʊ b I ks/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Aerobics is a form of exercise which increases the amount of oxygen in your blood, and strengthens your heart and lungs. The verb that follows aerobics may be either singular or plural. □  I'd like to join an aerobics class to improve my fitness.

aero|drome /eə rədroʊm/ (aerodromes ) N‑COUNT [oft in names] An aerodrome is a place or area where small aircraft can land and take off. [BRIT ] in AM, use airdrome

aero|dy|nam|ic /eə roʊda I næ m I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If something such as a car has an aerodynamic shape or design, it goes faster and uses less fuel than other cars because the air passes over it more easily. □  The secret of the machine lies in the aerodynamic shape of the frame. ●  aero|dy|nami|cal|ly ADV [ADV adj, ADV with v] □  Cars are becoming so aerodynamically efficient.

aero|dy|nam|ics /eə roʊda I næ m I ks/ The form aerodynamic is used as a modifier. In British English, aerodynamics is sometimes used as a plural noun, with a plural verb. N‑UNCOUNT Aerodynamics is the study of the way in which objects move through the air.

aero|nau|ti|cal /eə rənɔː t I k ^ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] Aeronautical means involving or relating to the design and construction of aeroplanes. □  …the biggest aeronautical research laboratory in Europe.

aero|naut|ics /eə rənɔː t I ks/ N‑UNCOUNT Aeronautics is the science of designing and building aeroplanes.

aero|plane /eə rəple I n/ (aeroplanes ) N‑COUNT An aeroplane is a vehicle with wings and one or more engines that enable it to fly through the air. [BRIT ] in AM, use airplane

aero|sol /eə rəsɒl, [AM ] -sɔːl/ (aerosols ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] An aerosol is a small container in which a liquid such as paint or deodorant is kept under pressure. When you press a button, the liquid is forced out as a fine spray or foam.

aero|space /eə roʊspe I s/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] Aerospace companies are involved in developing and making rockets, missiles, space vehicles, and related equipment. □  …the U.S. aerospace industry.

aes|thete /iː sθiːt, [AM ] e s-/ (aesthetes ) in AM, also use esthete N‑COUNT An aesthete is someone who loves and appreciates works of art and beautiful things.

aes|thet|ic /iːsθe t I k, [AM ] es-/ in AM, also use esthetic ADJ Aesthetic is used to talk about beauty or art, and people's appreciation of beautiful things. □  …products chosen for their aesthetic appeal as well as their durability and quality. ● N‑SING The aesthetic of a work of art is its aesthetic quality. □ [+ of ] He responded very strongly to the aesthetic of this particular work. ●  aes|theti|cal|ly /iːsθe t I kli, [AM ] es-/ ADV □  There is nothing aesthetically pleasing about this bridge.

aes|thet|ics /iːsθe t I ks, [AM ] es-/ in AM, also use esthetics N‑UNCOUNT Aesthetics is a branch of philosophy concerned with the study of the idea of beauty.

aeti|ol|ogy /iː tiɒ lədʒi/ → see etiology

afar /əfɑː ^r / ADV [usu from ADV , oft ADV after v] Afar means a long way away. [LITERARY ] □  Seen from afar, its towering buildings beckon the visitor in.

af|fable /æ fəb ^ə l/ ADJ Someone who is affable is pleasant and friendly. □  Mr Brooke is an extremely affable and approachable man.

af|fair ◆◆◇ /əfeə ^r / (affairs )