parachute

SYLLABICATION: par·a·chute
PRONUNCIATION: pr-sht
NOUN: 1. An apparatus used to retard free fall from an aircraft, consisting of a light, usually hemispherical canopy attached by cords to a harness and worn or stored folded until deployed in descent. 2. Any of various similar unpowered devices that are used for retarding free-speeding or free-falling motion.
VERB: Inflected forms: par·a·chut·ed, par·a·chut·ing, par·a·chutes

TRANSITIVE VERB: To drop (supplies or troops, for example) by means of a parachute.
INTRANSITIVE VERB: To descend by means of a parachute.
ETYMOLOGY: French : para(sol), parasol; see parasol + chute, fall; see chute.
OTHER FORMS: para·chutic —ADJECTIVE
para·chutist, para·chuter —NOUN