1. A small parachute or articulated flap to reduce the speed of an aircraft
   "The pilot deployed the airbrakes to slow the plane's descent";
   - dive brake
    
2. A vehicular brake that operates by compressed air; especially for heavy vehicles
   "The truck driver applied the airbrakes to slow the vehicle on the steep descent"

Derived forms: airbrakes

Type of: constraint, power brake, restraint

Part of: automotive vehicle, motor vehicle

Encyclopedia: Airbrake