Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
contrail
Noun
/ˈkɒnˌtreɪl/
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Synonyms
- Condensation trail
- Jet trail