control surface

noun

A moveable surface attached to a machine such as an aircraft or submarine that can be used to control the machine's motion in roll, pitch or yaw.

“Before flight, it is vital to ensure all control surfaces are clear of obstruction and can move smoothly and freely.”

Similar
diving planeairfoilaerofoilsurface
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Meanings

nouncontrol surface (plural control surfaces)

plural control surfaces

  1. aeronauticsA moveable surface attached to a machine such as an aircraft or submarine that can be used to control the machine's motion in roll, pitch or yaw.

    Before flight, it is vital to ensure all control surfaces are clear of obstruction and can move smoothly and freely.

    Synonyms: diving plane

Synonyms & antonyms

nounA moveable surface attached to a machine such as an aircraft or submarine that can be used to control the machine's motion in roll, pitch or yaw.

Similar
diving plane

More synonyms by meaning

nouna device that provides reactive force when in motion relative to the surrounding air; can lift or control a plane in flight

Similar
airfoilaerofoilsurface
Broader
device
Also see
airfoilsurface

Synonym sets from Open English WordNet, CC BY 4.0.

Translations

Finnish ohjainpinta
  • ohjainpintaaeronautics
German Steuerfläche
  • Steuerflächeaeronautics
Italian superficie di controllo, timone
  • superficie di controlloaeronautics
  • timoneaeronautics
  • timone di direzione (verticale)aeronautics
  • timone di profondità (orizzontale)aeronautics
Polish powierzchnia sterowa
  • powierzchnia sterowaaeronautics
Romanian suprafață de control
  • suprafață de controlaeronautics
Cite this entry
APA

control surface. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 2, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/control%20surface

MLA

“control surface.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/control%20surface. Accessed November 2, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “control surface,” accessed November 2, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/control%20surface.

Source: control surface on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.