hovering

Hovering is the act of remaining in one place in the air or above a surface, often for a period of time. It requires a balance of forces to counter gravity, typically achieved by generating lift that matches the weight of the object or body. Different systems accomplish hovering, including biological flapping, rotor-based lift, buoyant methods, and air cushions.

In nature, hovering is most commonly associated with certain birds and insects. Hummingbirds can suspend their flapping to maintain a nearly stationary position while feeding from flowers. Some insects, such as dragonflies, also hover by precise wing control, allowing them to stay in place while scouting for prey or mates.

In technology, hover refers to devices and vehicles that maintain a fixed altitude. Drones and helicopters hover by producing lift with rotating blades; hovercraft rise on a cushion of air generated by fans or blowers. Some experimental craft use directed thrust or magnetic levitation to stay aloft at a constant height.

In computing and user interfaces, hovering describes placing a pointer over a graphical element without clicking. This action can trigger tooltips, highlight states, or menus, and is a common mechanism in graphical user interfaces. Accessibility considerations are often discussed for users who navigate with keyboards or assistive technologies.