Phrase guide

control surface

noun · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

noun

Meaning 1

A moveable surface attached to a machine such as an aircraft or submarine that can be used to control the machine's motion in roll, pitch or yaw.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Topics: aeronautics, aerospace, business, engineering, natural-sciences, physical-sciences

Examples

  • Before flight, it is vital to ensure all control surfaces are clear of obstruction and can move smoothly and freely.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

a device that provides reactive force when in motion relative to the surrounding air; can lift or control a plane in flight

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: airfoil, aerofoil, surface

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: device

Narrower terms: aileron, elevator, flap, flaps, horizontal stabilizer, horizontal stabiliser, tailplane, rotor blade, rotary wing, rudder, spoiler, stabilizer, vertical tail, wing

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

8 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Finnish: ohjainpinta — aeronautics
  • German: Steuerfläche — aeronautics
  • Italian: superficie di controllo — aeronautics
  • Italian: timone — aeronautics
  • Italian: timone di direzione (verticale) — aeronautics
  • Italian: timone di profondità (orizzontale) — aeronautics
  • Polish: powierzchnia sterowa — aeronautics
  • Romanian: suprafață de control — aeronautics