What is the term for the imaginary line extending from the leading edge to the trailing edge of a wing?

The term for the imaginary line extending from the leading edge to the trailing edge of a wing is known as the "chord." The chord line represents the straight line connecting these two points on the wing and serves as a fundamental reference for understanding the wing's profile, aerodynamics, and performance characteristics.

In aerodynamics, the chord length is crucial because it significantly influences lift and drag. The ratio of the wing's thickness to the chord length is also a vital aspect in airfoil designs. This information is essential for pilots and engineers as they analyze how a wing will perform at different angles of attack and under various flight conditions.

Understanding the concept of chord is pivotal in aeronautical studies, whereas terms like dihedral refer to the angle of the wings in relation to the horizontal plane, span describes the distance from one wingtip to the other, and area pertains to the total surface area of the wing. Each of these aspects plays a unique role in aircraft design and flight dynamics, but the term specifically relating to the line between the leading and trailing edges is chord.