Definition
The components of an airplane's landing gear designed to absorb and dissipate the vertical impact energy generated when the airplane touches down, preventing that force from being transmitted directly into the airframe. Common designs include oleo struts (which use a combination of compressed gas and hydraulic fluid), spring-steel legs, bungee cords, and rubber shock discs.
Plain English
The parts of the landing gear that cushion the landing so the airplane doesn't slam into the runway. They soak up the bump and protect the rest of the airplane from the impact.
Context Anchor
Seen in discussions of hard landings, touchdown forces, landing gear design, and post-landing inspection decisions.
Derivation
Shock means a sudden impact. Absorb comes from a Latin idea meaning to take in or swallow up. In this term, the landing gear does not literally make the impact disappear; it takes in part of the landing force by compressing or flexing.
Why Pilots Care
It reduces the chance of airframe damage during firm or hard landings and allows the airplane to absorb normal touchdown loads without exceeding design limits.
Analogy
It works much like the cushioning on a bicycle or car wheel: the wheel can move slightly and soften the hit instead of sending the full bump straight into the frame.
Intuition Check
Do not assume shock absorbing landing gear can absorb any landing impact. It reduces and spreads out the force, but a hard enough landing can still damage the airplane.
Example Sentence 1
After the hard landing, the mechanic inspected the shock absorbing landing gear for signs of overcompression or damage to the attach points.
Example Sentence 2
Pilots check the shock absorbing landing gear struts for proper extension before flight to ensure they will cushion the next landing.