downforce
noun
down·force
| \ ˈdau̇n-ˌfȯrs
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Definition of downforce
: a downward aerodynamic force generated especially by an airfoil (such as a spoiler on a race car)
Examples of downforce in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Traditionally a Gurney flap is a small vertical lip on the trailing edge of a spoiler or wing designed to increase the downforce. — Alexander Stoklosa, Car and Driver, "The 986-HP Ferrari SF90 Stradale Plug-In Hybrid Yanks Maranello Back Into Hypercar Race," 29 May 2019 The addition of the bolt-on wing increased average speeds nearly 20 mph overnight, significantly amplifying the downforce placed on the tires. — Tim Newcomb, Popular Mechanics, "Gaining Speed: A History of the Indy 500 Racing Tire," 24 May 2019 The aerodynamics and downforce give you a leg up over a car with a more normal driving profile. — Eric Bangeman, Ars Technica, "Nine things I learned from driving a supercar for three days," 9 Nov. 2018 The aero tweaks increase the amount of downforce generated to keep the car securely on the road at extremely high speeds, Contact Mark Phelan: mmphelan@freepress.com or 313-222-6731. — Mark Phelan, Detroit Free Press, "Ford reveals 2019 Shelby GT350 Mustang with aero and handling upgrades," 11 June 2018 Following Sunday’s Iowa Corn 300, which saw 955 on-track passes versus 378 last year, Frye and company were feeling optimistic about the progress being made in Year 1 of the new, low downforce, universal aero kits. — Jim Ayello, Indianapolis Star, "IndyCar racing with its new aero kits is 'awesome,' or perhaps 'bland'," 9 July 2018 At this height the Senna’s double diffuser is fully entrained (higher downforce and less drag) due to a phenomenon pilots know as ground effects. — Dan Neil, WSJ, "2019 McLaren Senna: A Pet Racecar for Billionaires," 31 May 2018 The body has even more advanced aerodynamics, including new diffusers at the front and rear that increase downforce by 20 percent over the standard car. — Jonathan M. Gitlin, Ars Technica, "Ferrari and Porsche announce new cars for the wealthy track addict," 21 Feb. 2018 Active front air ducts and a rear spoiler create up to 1,763.7 pounds of downforce at 155 mph, gluing the car to tarmac while cornering. — Basem Wasef, WIRED, "McLaren's $958,966 Senna Hypercar Ain't Pretty, but It Can Whip a Track," 30 June 2018These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'downforce.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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