Pronunciation: /ˈkɑnˌtreɪl/

Definitions of contrail

noun a visible trail left in the sky by an aircraft and consisting of a line of condensed water or ice particles created by the aircraft's engines

Example Sentences

A1 I saw a contrail in the sky while I was walking.

A2 The airplane left a long contrail behind it as it flew overhead.

B1 Contrails are formed when water vapor from airplane exhaust freezes in the sky.

B2 Contrails can sometimes linger in the sky for a long time, depending on the weather conditions.

C1 Scientists study contrails to better understand their impact on the Earth's atmosphere.

C2 Pilots are trained to avoid flying through contrails to reduce the risk of engine damage.

Examples of contrail in a Sentence

formal The contrail left by the airplane lingered in the sky for several minutes.

informal Did you see that long white line in the sky? That's a contrail from a passing plane.

slang Check out that sky streak! It's a contrail from a jet flying overhead.

figurative His words left a contrail of doubt in her mind, lingering long after he had spoken.

Grammatical Forms of contrail

past tense

contrailed

plural

contrails

comparative

more contrail

superlative

most contrail

present tense

contrails

future tense

will contrail

perfect tense

have contrailed

continuous tense

is contrailing

singular

contrail

positive degree

contrail

infinitive

to contrail

gerund

contrailing

participle

contrailing

Origin and Evolution of contrail

First Known Use: 1943 year
Language of Origin: English
Story behind the word: The word 'contrail' is a blend of 'condensation' and 'trail'. It refers to the visible streak of condensed water vapor or ice crystals created by aircraft engine exhaust or changes in air pressure.
Evolution of the word: Originally used in the context of aviation and meteorology to describe the trails left behind by aircraft, the term 'contrail' has become more commonly known in popular culture due to its association with conspiracy theories about chemtrails.