Plain English Meaning
The good things about building airplane parts out of composites instead of metal — they can be lighter, stronger for their weight, smoother in shape, and they don't rust.
Full Definition
The set of structural and operational benefits that composite materials offer in aircraft construction compared to traditional metal structures. These advantages typically include a high strength-to-weight ratio, resistance to corrosion, the ability to be formed into smooth aerodynamic shapes, fatigue resistance, and the freedom to tailor strength and stiffness in specific directions by aligning the reinforcing fibers.