Contrail
noun, verb
noun, verb ·Rare ·Advanced level
Definitions
Noun
- 1 An artificial cloud made by the exhaust of jet aircraft or wingtip vortices that precipitate a stream of tiny ice crystals in moist, frigid upper air.
- 2 an artificial cloud created by an aircraft; caused either by condensation due to the reduction in air pressure above the wing surface or by water vapor in the engine exhaust wordnet
Verb
- 1 To produce an artificial cloud of this kind. intransitive
Etymology
Blend of condensation + trail.