Nacelle (en. Nacelle)

/na.sɛl/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench
noun
Part designed to accommodate passengers or equipment, often suspended under a lighter-than-air craft.
The hot air balloon basket was full of passengers admiring the scenery.
La nacelle de la montgolfière était pleine de passagers admirant le paysage.
Housing that contains engines or instruments, especially in airplanes.
The aircraft engine nacelle must be inspected regularly.
La nacelle du moteur de l'avion doit être inspectée régulièrement.
Support structure for a flower lift, used to transport people or objects.
The carriages of flower elevators are often glassed to offer a panoramic view.
Les nacelles des ascenseurs à fleurs sont souvent vitrées pour offrir une vue panoramique.

Etymology

From old French 'nacelle', a diminutive of 'nacel', from Latin 'nacella', which designated a small boat.

Common Phrases and Expressions

hot air balloon basket
Window designed for flying in a hot air balloon.
nacelle de montgolfière
elevator car
Structure that transports people inside a building.
nacelle d'ascenseur
cockpit
Basket equipped for controlling an aerial vehicle.
nacelle de pilotage

Related Words

aerostat
Vehicle lighter than air used for flight.
aérostat
hot air balloon
Hot air balloon allowing aerial transport.
montgolfière
aviation
Sciences and techniques related to airplanes and their piloting.
aviation

Slang Meanings

A relaxing place suspended in the air.
We spent the afternoon in a basket above the vineyards.
On a passé l'après-midi dans une nacelle au-dessus des vignes.
A relaxing or suspended atmosphere.
This café really has a vibe, with a beautiful view.
Ce café a vraiment une nacelle, avec une vue magnifique.