plane Definition

plane¹
noun

1. An aeroplane.

Thesaurus: aircraft, jet, airliner, bird (slang).

Etymology: Early 20c: short form.

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plane²
noun

1. math.
A flat surface, either real or imaginary, such that a straight line joining any two points lies entirely on it.
Thesaurus: level, horizontal, flat, surface, face.
2. A level surface.
3. A level or standard.

Example: on a higher intellectual plane

adj

1. Flat; level.
2. Having the character of a plane.
3. math.
Lying in one plane.
Example: a plane figure
Example: plane geometry

verb, intr planed, planing

1. Said of a boat: to skim over the surface of the water.
2. Said of a bird: to wheel or soar with the wings motionless.

Derivative: planar

Relating to a plane.

Lying in a single plane.

Flat.

Derivative: planeness
noun

Etymology: 17c: from Latin planum level surface.

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plane³
noun

1. A carpenter's tool for smoothing wood by shaving away unevennesses.

verb

planed, planing
1. To smooth (a surface, especially wood) with a plane.

Thesaurus: flatten, finish, smooth, level.
Form: plane something down (also)

Derivative: planer

Someone who uses a plane.

A tool or machine for planing.

Etymology: 14c: French, from Latin planare to smooth.

Phrasal Verb: plane something off or away

To remove it from a surface with a plane.

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plane⁴
noun

1. Any of various large deciduous trees with pendulous bur-like fruits and thin bark which is shed in large flakes, revealing creamy or pink patches on the trunk. Also called plane tree.
(Scots)
2. The sycamore.

Etymology: 14c: French, from Latin platanus, from Greek platanos, from platys broad.