Definition
The wing chord is the straight-line distance from the leading edge of a wing to its trailing edge, measured at any given point along the wingspan. It is a fundamental geometric reference used to describe wing shape, calculate aspect ratio, and define angle of attack relative to the relative wind.
Plain English
It is the straight line drawn from the front edge of the wing to the back edge, used as a reference for measuring the wing.
Context Anchor
Seen in discussions of wing shape, wing planform, lift, drag, and how a wing’s design affects performance.
Derivation
Chord comes from the Latin chorda, meaning a string or cord stretched tight. In geometry, a chord is a straight line connecting two points on a curve. The wing's curved upper and lower surfaces are tied together by this straight reference line, which is why the same word is used.
Why Pilots Care
Chord length directly influences lift, drag, and stall characteristics of the wing.
Analogy
Think of laying a ruler straight across the wing from its front edge to its back edge. The length shown on the ruler is the wing chord at that spot.
Intuition Check
Do not read chord here as a musical chord. In wing design, chord means a straight front-to-back distance across the wing.
Example Sentence 1
The angle of attack is measured between the wing chord and the relative wind.
Example Sentence 2
A longer wing chord allows the airfoil to produce more lift at the same angle of attack.