air pocket

noun

Pronunciation: /ˈɛər ˌpɒk.ɪt/

Definition

A localized area of low-density air that causes an aircraft to lose lift and drop suddenly.

Examples

• The pilot warned passengers to fasten their seatbelts because of potential air pockets along the flight path.

• We experienced a brief moment of weightlessness when the small plane flew through an air pocket.

• Frequent air pockets made the flight across the mountains quite turbulent.

Synonyms of air pocket

Words with a similar meaning to air pocket:

• turbulence
• downdraft

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