How Do You Spell DIRIGIBLE?

Pronunciation: [dˈɪɹɪd͡ʒəbə͡l] (IPA)

The word "dirigible" is often misspelled due to its unusual pronunciation. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is written as /ˈdɪrɪdʒəbəl/. The first syllable is pronounced with a short "ih" sound, similar to "it" or "fill". The "d" and "j" sounds are combined to create a "j" sound, as in "jelly", in the second syllable. The final syllable is pronounced with a short "uh" sound, like the "u" in "cup". Remembering these sounds can be helpful when spelling the word "dirigible".

DIRIGIBLE Meaning and Definition

  1. A "dirigible" refers to a type of lightweight airship that can be steered and propelled through the air. This term is commonly used to describe an aircraft that is filled with a lifting gas, typically helium or hydrogen, which allows it to float in the atmosphere. The word "dirigible" is derived from the Latin phrase "dirigere," meaning "to direct" or "to steer."

    Dirigibles are characterized by their ability to be controlled and navigate in different directions, thanks to the presence of steering mechanisms and propulsion systems. Unlike traditional hot air balloons, which are non-rigid and cannot be actively controlled, dirigibles possess a rigid frame or structure that maintains the shape of the vehicle during operations. This framework provides stability and allows for more precise maneuvering.

    Dirigibles have historically served various purposes, such as transportation, military reconnaissance, and scientific research. These airships were particularly prominent during the early 20th century before the widespread use of airplanes. They offered advantages such as longer flight durations, the ability to hover, and the capacity to transport goods and passengers over long distances.

    However, the popularity of dirigibles declined due to safety concerns, primarily associated with the use of hydrogen gas, which is highly flammable. The Hindenburg disaster in 1937, where a dirigible caught fire and resulted in numerous casualties, negatively impacted the public perception of these airships, leading to a decrease in their usage.

    Modern advancements in aviation technology have seen a resurgence of interest in dirigibles due to their potential applications in cargo transportation, aerial surveillance, and even luxury tourism. Efforts continue to improve their safety, efficiency, and environmental impact, further cementing their place in the transportation landscape.

Top Common Misspellings for DIRIGIBLE *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for DIRIGIBLE

Etymology of DIRIGIBLE

The word "dirigible" originated from the Latin word "dirigere", meaning "to direct" or "to steer". It entered the English language in the late 19th century as a term for a type of lighter-than-air aircraft that could be controlled and steered in a specific direction. It was coined by French inventor Henri Giffard in 1852 when he built the first powered airship, which he named "Le Dirigible". The term later became commonly used to refer to various types of airships and has since been an established term in aeronautics.

Plural form of DIRIGIBLE is DIRIGIBLES

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