parachute Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun rescue equipment consisting of a device that fills with air and retards your fall
    chute.
  2. verb jump from an airplane and descend with a parachute
    jump; chute.

WordNet

Par"a*chute noun
Etymology
F., fr. paper to ward off, guard + chute a fall. See Parry, and Chute, Chance.
Definitions
  1. A contrivance somewhat in the form of an umbrella, by means of which a descent may be made from a balloon, or any eminence. usu used for descending to the ground from an airplane, for military operations (airborne troops), in an emergency, or for sport (sky diving)
  2. (Zoöl.) A web or fold of skin which extends between the legs of certain mammals, as the flying squirrels, colugo, and phalangister.

Webster 1913