aeronautics

noun (used with a singular verb)

1. the science or art of flight.

noun

1. (functioning as singular) the study or practice of all aspects of flight through the air

n.

1824, from aeronautic (1784), from French aéronautique, from aéro- (see aero-) + nautique “of ships,” from Latin nauticus, from Greek nautikos (see nautical). Originally of balloons. Also see -ics. Aeronaut “balloonist” is from 1784.

1. The design, construction and operation of aircraft.
2. The scientific study of flight through the atmosphere.