mayday
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See also: May Day
Translingual
Etymology
Borrowed from French m’aider, short for Venez m’aider! or Viens m’aider! (“Come help me!”).
Pronunciation
Interjection
mayday
- (radio) emergency, need assistance
- 2004, Ken Wishaw, Helicopter Rescue: The true story of Australia's first full-time chopper doctor, page 82:
- 'Mayday! Mayday! Mayday!' came the call.
Usage notes
When making a distress call, mayday is said three times in succession (mayday, mayday, mayday) to signal that the message is an actual distress signal, as opposed to a message about a mayday signal.
Synonyms
Translations
The call mayday is the international standard emergency call. However, many local variations also exist.
emergency, need assistance
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See also
English
Alternative forms
Pronunciation
Noun
mayday (plural maydays)
- An international distress signal used by shipping and aircraft.
- 2002, Clive Cussler, Valhalla Rising, page 47:
- "Odd that she hasn't sent out a Mayday."
"That is curious. Her radio must be disabled."
Related terms
Translations
international distress signal used by shipping and aircraft
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