helicopter

Etymology

Borrowed from French hélicoptère, from Ancient Greek ἕλιξ (hélix, “spiral”) + πτερόν (pterón, “wing”). Doublet of helicopteron; equivalent to a surface analysis of heli(co)- + -copter. The dragonfly sense is from a dragonfly's ability to hover and fly in any direction, like the manmade flying machine.

noun

1. (aviation) An aircraft that is borne along by one or more sets of long rotating blades which allow it to hover, move in any direction including reverse, or land; and typically having a smaller set of blades on its tail to stabilize the aircraft.
   We flew over the city in a helicopter.
2. A powered troweling machine with spinning blades used to spread concrete.
3. (botany) The winged fruit of certain trees, such as ash, elm, and maple.
4. (zoology, slang) A dragonfly; so named due to its resemblance to a helicopter (sense 1).
5. A whirling trick performed with devil sticks.

verb

1. (transitive) To transport by helicopter.
2. (intransitive) To travel by helicopter.
3. To rotate like a helicopter blade.
   helicoptering his jacket, helicoptering his arms
4. To overprotect one's children, as a helicopter parent does.