Definition

A visible line in the sky made of water vapor or ice crystals that forms behind an aircraft as it flies.

Example

The contrail from the jet lingered in the sky for several minutes before disappearing.

Conversation

Have you ever seen a contrail in the sky?

Yeah, they can look really cool, especially when the sun hits them just right.

I love how they fade away slowly, like a painting in the sky.

Definitely! They always remind me of planes flying high above.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Contrail → It is formed from "con-" (meaning together) and "trail" (from Old English "trægel", meaning a track or path). The word "contrail" refers to the trail left by an aircraft as it moves through the air, creating a visible path together with the exhaust.

Memory Tip

Think of an aircraft leaving a 'track' or 'path' ('trail') in the sky as it moves 'together' ('con-') with the exhaust, which helps you remember that a contrail is the visible trail left by an airplane.

Visually Confused Words