hydroplane
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: //ˈhaɪdrəˌpleɪn//
KK: /ˈhaɪdroʊpleɪn/
intransitive verb
Definition
To lose control while moving over a wet surface, often causing a vehicle to slide or glide uncontrollably.
Example
The car began to hydroplane on the slick road during the rain.
Tense Forms
Past: hydroplaned
Past Participle: hydroplaned
Conversation
Did you see how that car just hydroplaned on the highway?
Yeah, that looked really scary! I hope everyone was okay.
It’s a good reminder to be careful when it rains.
Definitely! I always slow down to avoid hydroplaning.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
skid
glide
float
Antonyms
sink
plunge
dive
noun
Definition
A type of motorboat that can lift out of the water and glide on the surface at high speeds, often used for racing.
Example
The hydroplane raced across the water, skimming just above the surface.
Conversation
Did you see that amazing hydroplane racing on the lake yesterday?
Yeah, it was incredible how fast they were skimming across the water!
I want to try piloting a hydroplane someday; it looks so thrilling.
Root Explanation
Hydroplane → It is formed from "hydro-" (from Greek "hydor", meaning water) and "plane" (from Latin "planus", meaning flat or level). The word describes a type of aircraft that glides over water, emphasizing its flat surface in relation to water.
Memory Tip
Think of 'water' ('hydro-') and a 'flat surface' ('plane') — a hydroplane is designed to glide smoothly over water.
Visually Confused Words
gyroplane
aerohydroplane
hyperplane