hydroplane

/ˈhaɪdrəˌpleɪn/
noun
  1. A motorboat designed to skim at high speed on the surface of water.
    • Spectators cheered as the hydroplane lifted slightly out of the water.
    • He bought an old hydroplane and restored it for summer competitions.
    • The hydroplane raced across the lake, leaving a huge spray of water behind.
  2. A seaplane that can land on and take off from water.
    • The pilot flew the hydroplane to a remote island lake.
    • During the rescue, a hydroplane landed on the river to pick up the stranded hikers.
    • Many early airliners were hydroplanes that used harbors as airports.
verb
  1. (of a vehicle) to slide uncontrollably on a wet surface because the tires lose contact with the road.
    • The truck hydroplaned across three lanes before the driver regained control.
    • She slowed down to avoid hydroplaning on the flooded highway.
    • If you drive too fast in heavy rain, your car may hydroplane and spin out.