contrail

noun

con·​trail ˈkän-ˌtrāl How to pronounce contrail (audio)
: streaks of condensed water vapor created in the air by an airplane or rocket at high altitudes

Examples of contrail in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The comet's display is expected to resemble that of an airplane contrail extending up and to the right. Skyler Caruso, People.com, 24 Oct. 2024 The test indicated that some atmospheric zones create contrails, enabling pilots to avoid them. Ted Reed, Forbes, 15 Oct. 2024 In reality, scientists say contrails appear when water vapor condenses and freezes around the exhaust from an aircraft. Donie O'Sullivan, CNN, 10 Oct. 2024 But more large tests are needed to better understand how to best mitigate contrails, Barrett notes. Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 12 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for contrail 

Word History

Etymology

condensation trail

First Known Use

1943, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of contrail was in 1943

Dictionary Entries Near contrail

Cite this Entry

“Contrail.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contrail. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

contrail

noun
con·​trail ˈkän-ˌtrāl How to pronounce contrail (audio)
: a stream of visible water or ice particles created in the air by an airplane or rocket at high altitudes

More from Merriam-Webster on contrail

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