A structure with a curved surface designed to give the most favorable ratio of lift to drag in flight, used as the basic form of the wings, fins, and tailplanes of most aircraft.

The engineers tested the new airfoil design in the wind tunnel to ensure it would improve the aircraft's performance.

A cross-sectional shape of a wing, blade (of a propeller, rotor, or turbine), or sail.

The airfoil of the helicopter's rotor blades was optimized for better lift efficiency.

airfoiladjective

Relating to or characteristic of an airfoil or its properties.

The researchers examined the airfoil profile in greater detail to reduce drag.