winglet

/ˈwɪŋlət/
noun
  1. A small wing or winglike part, especially a vertical or angled extension at the tip of an aircraft wing that improves fuel efficiency by reducing drag.
    • Engineers added winglets to the plane to make it more aerodynamic.
    • You can spot the winglets on the ends of the wings of many modern jets.
    • The new airplane model features curved winglets that save fuel.
  2. A small wing or winglike structure on an animal or plant, such as a small projection on a seed or a reduced wing on an insect.
    • The winglet on the seed catches the wind and carries it away.
    • Some beetles have tiny winglets that are too small for flight.
    • The maple seed has a winglet that helps it spin as it falls.
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