aerosurface

noun

aero·​sur·​face ¦er-ō-¦sər-fəs 

plural aerosurfaces

: control surface

During re-entry and landing, the orbiter isn't powered by engines. Instead, it flies like a high-tech glider, relying first on its steering jets and then its aerosurfaces to control the airflow around it …

—Naples (Florida) Daily News, 20 Feb. 2008

Word History

Etymology

aero- + surface entry 1

First Known Use

1894, in the meaning defined above

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