Plain English Meaning

Streamlined coverings added to bumpy or exposed parts of the airplane so the air slides past them instead of crashing into them.

Full Definition

Smooth, shaped covers or housings fitted over exposed structural components of an aircraft — such as landing gear legs, wing-fuselage junctions, antennas, or flap tracks — to reduce form drag by allowing air to flow around them more cleanly.

Context Anchor

Seen in discussions of aircraft drag, aircraft exterior design, and preflight checks of covers around items such as landing gear, wheels, antennas, or surface joints.

Derivation

From the English verb 'to ,' meaning to make smooth or even. A is something that 'fairs over' a rough or angular shape so the stays attached and orderly.