parachute: Meaning and Definition of

par•a•chute

Pronunciation: (par'u-sht"), [key]
— n., v., -chut•ed, -chut•ing.
—n.
  1. a folding, umbrellalike, fabric device with cords supporting a harness or straps for allowing a person, object, package, etc., to float down safely through the air from a great height, esp. from an aircraft, rendered effective by the resistance of the air that expands it during the descent and reduces the velocity of its fall.
  2. See
  3. a shockproofing device for the balance staff of a watch, consisting of a yielding, springlike support for the bearing at either end.
    1. the aggregate of benefits, as severance pay or vacation pay, given an employee who is dismissed from a company.
    2. Seegolden parachute.
—v.t.
  1. to drop or land (troops, equipment, supplies, etc.) by parachute.
—v.i.
  1. to descend by parachute.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
See also: