Slat

On aircraft, a 'slat' is a motorized extension that pops out of the leading edge of the wing. Slats are used along with flaps to increase the camber of the wing, thus generating more lift at the expense of aerodynamics.

Slats only appear on widebody aircraft: smaller planes don't have them. Those of you who have read Michael Crichton's Airframe will know that deploying the slats at cruising speed causes the plane to gyrate wildly and throw everyone around the cabin until one of the geniuses in the cockpit pulls them back in. This is why they are only used on takeoff or landing, when the plane is moving more slowly.

Slat (?), n. [CF. Slot a bar.]

A thin, narrow strip or bar of wood or metal; as, the slats of a window blind.

 

© Webster 1913.

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Slat, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Slatted; p. pr. & vb. n. Slatting.] [OE. slatten; cf. Icel. sletta to slap, to dab.]

1.

To slap; to strike; to beat; to throw down violently.

[Prov. Eng. & Colloq. U.S.]

How did you kill him? Slat[t]ed his brains out. Marston.

2.

To split; to crack.

[Prov. Eng.]

Halliwell.

3.

To set on; to incite. See 3d Slate.

[Prov. Eng.]

 

© Webster 1913.