aquaplane

Everyday

1. If a car aquaplanes, its tyres slide on a layer of water on a wet road and lose grip, so the driver cannot steer or brake well. tree →
2. (old) An aquaplane was a board towed by a motorboat that a person stood on, like early water-skiing. tree →

In the lessons

Used in road safety and science about friction (water reduces grip). US English often says «hydroplane». Drivers slow down in heavy rain to avoid aquaplaning.

Examples

• The car aquaplaned on the flooded road. tree →
• Slow down in heavy rain, or your car may aquaplane. tree →
• Worn tyres make aquaplaning more likely. tree →
• The lorry aquaplaned and slid into the hedge. tree →
• Water between the tyre and road reduces friction. tree →
• Road signs warn drivers about aquaplaning. tree →

Note

Regular verb. «Aqua» means water. American English: «hydroplane». In science: less friction means less grip and longer stopping distances.