contrail
|con-trail|
/ˈkɒnˌtreɪl/
aircraft vapor trail
Etymology
'contrail' originates from the combination of 'condensation' and 'trail', where 'condensation' refers to the process of vapor turning into liquid or solid form, and 'trail' refers to a path or line left behind.
'contrail' was coined in the early 20th century as a blend of 'condensation' and 'trail', reflecting the phenomenon observed with the advent of high-altitude aircraft.
Initially, it referred specifically to the trails left by aircraft, and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a visible trail of condensed water vapor or ice crystals left in the sky by an aircraft flying at high altitude.
The sky was filled with contrails from the morning flights.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:39