heat shield

noun

: a barrier of ablative material to protect a space capsule from heat on its entry into an atmosphere

Examples of heat shield in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Critical components such as rocket nozzles and heat shields often require expensive production methods, long lead times of 12 to 18 months, and depend on limited domestic manufacturing capacity. Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 26 June 2026 On the shuttle’s exterior, people can see the gray heat shields that can take 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit, while the white shields can safeguard a mere 700 degrees. Marla Jo Fisher, Daily News, 24 June 2026 The purpose of any heat shield is to be sure the extreme temperatures that objects hitting Earth’s atmosphere experience don’t harm the crew or cargo inside the vehicle. Margaret Landis, The Conversation, 18 June 2026 Engineers are continuing work on the Orion spacecraft this summer, including installing a new docking system and conducting heat shield testing ahead of the mission. Chelsea Jones, CBS News, 10 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for heat shield

Word History

First Known Use

1962, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of heat shield was in 1962

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Cite this Entry

“Heat shield.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heat%20shield. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

heat shield

noun
: a barrier of insulation to protect a space capsule from heat on its return to earth
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