Paracaídas (en. Parachute)

[paɾakaˈiðas]

Meaning & Definition

EnglishSpanish
noun
Device used to descend in a controlled manner from a great height.
The parachute opened smoothly when the jumper reached the proper altitude.
El paracaídas se abrió suavemente cuando el saltador alcanzó la altitud adecuada.
Fabric layer that deploys during free fall to slow down the speed.
The parachute was made with a durable material to withstand air pressure.
El paracaídas fue fabricado con un material resistente para soportar la presión del aire.
Way to descend in activities such as skydiving.
The parachute allowed him to land safely after his jump.
El paracaídas le permitió aterrizar sin problemas después de su salto.

Etymology

From the Spanish 'para' and 'caídas', referring to a device used to soften the fall.

Common Phrases and Expressions

parachute jump
Activity that consists of jumping into the void with a parachute.
salto en paracaídas
emergency parachute
Parachute used as an alternative in case of failure of the main one.
paracaídas de emergencia

Related Words

skydiving
Sport that consists of jumping from an airplane and descending with a parachute.
paracaidismo
fall
Movement downwards, usually due to gravity.
caída

Slang Meanings

Unexpected or sudden fall in some context.
That project was a total parachute; nobody saw it coming.
Ese proyecto fue un paracaídas total; nadie lo vio venir.
To use a parachute as a safety cushion in complicated situations.
I always have a parachute in my plans, just in case something goes wrong.
Siempre tengo un paracaídas en mis planes, por si algo sale mal.