lift

physics

Also known as: aerodynamic lift

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lift, upward-acting force on an aircraft wing or airfoil. An aircraft in flight experiences an upward lift force, as well as the thrust of the engine, the force of its own weight, and a drag force. The lift force arises because there is a zone of low air pressure on the top of the airfoil and a zone of high pressure on the bottom of the airfoil caused by the flow of air over the airfoil.

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica This article was most recently revised and updated by Erik Gregersen.