Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
contrail
Noun
/ˈkɒnˌtreɪl/
Definition
A contrail is a visible trail of condensed water vapor or ice crystals that aircraft leave in the sky as they fly at high altitudes.
Examples
- The plane left a white contrail that stretched across the blue sky.
- Scientists study contrails to understand their impact on climate change.
- Contrails can persist for hours, depending on atmospheric conditions.
Meaning
Contrails are formed when the hot, humid air from jet exhaust mixes with the colder air at high altitudes, resulting in water vapor freezing into tiny ice crystals, creating a cloud-like trail.
Synonyms
- Condensation trail
- Jet trail
