speed brake: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical / Aviation / Automotive
Quick answer
What does “speed brake” mean?
An aerodynamic device, typically on aircraft, deployed to increase drag and rapidly reduce speed without excessive reliance on wheel brakes.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An aerodynamic device, typically on aircraft, deployed to increase drag and rapidly reduce speed without excessive reliance on wheel brakes.
Any mechanical device used to slow a vehicle by creating drag; in automotive contexts, sometimes refers to a flap or air brake on high-performance cars.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is identical and used in both varieties within technical aviation contexts. In everyday language, neither variety commonly uses it.
Connotations
Neutral technical term; implies controlled, intentional deceleration.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general discourse; high frequency within pilot training, aerospace engineering, and specific motorsport commentary.
Grammar
How to Use “speed brake” in a Sentence
[Aircraft] + deployed + its + speed brake[Pilot] + used + the + speed brake + to + [Verb]The + speed brake + was + [Adjective]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “speed brake” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The pilot raised the speed brake to increase descent rate.
- The Tornado's speed brakes are located on the fuselage.
American English
- He deployed the speed brake immediately after touchdown.
- The F-15's speed brake is mounted vertically.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in aerospace engineering, fluid dynamics, and vehicle design papers.
Everyday
Extremely rare; limited to enthusiasts discussing aircraft or high-performance cars.
Technical
Standard term in aircraft flight manuals, pilot procedures, and motorsport engineering for specific drag devices.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “speed brake”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “speed brake”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “speed brake”
- Confusing it with a 'spoiler' (which primarily affects downforce, not just drag).
- Using it to refer to standard wheel brakes on a car.
- Treating it as a common compound noun with irregular stress (stress is on 'speed' and 'brake').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A speed brake is a drag device. A thrust reverser redirects engine thrust forward to decelerate. They are different systems often used in combination.
In strictly technical terms, some high-performance or concept cars have aerodynamic flaps that function as speed brakes. However, the term is overwhelmingly associated with aviation.
To rapidly increase aerodynamic drag, thereby reducing speed or increasing the rate of descent without changing the aircraft's pitch attitude drastically.
In aviation, they are often used interchangeably, though 'speed brake' can imply a specific type of air brake designed for use in flight, not just on the ground.
An aerodynamic device, typically on aircraft, deployed to increase drag and rapidly reduce speed without excessive reliance on wheel brakes.
Speed brake is usually technical / aviation / automotive in register.
Speed brake: in British English it is pronounced /ˈspiːd ˌbreɪk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈspid ˌbreɪk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms; term is purely technical]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'speed' and 'brake' literally: a brake for your speed, but in the air.
Conceptual Metaphor
A PARACHUTE FOR AN AIRPLANE (creating drag to slow forward motion).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'speed brake' most precisely and correctly used?